Rocking ship Grandmother clock (57.5 inches tall) with three-train quarter-striking movement. English made, circa 1960. 223328.

This attractive grandmother tall case clock is constructed in figured walnut and fitted with an automated rocking ship dial. 

This charming example stands up on four applied ogee bracket feet. The front corners of the base are canted. This design begins at the bottom with a lamb’s tongue molding. The lower waist molding is shaped to accept this form change. The waist is long and narrow and enhances the excellent proportions of the cabinet. Smoothly turned quarter columns flank the sides of the waist. These terminate at each end in turned wooden quarter capitals. Centered in the waist section is a shaped waist door. The perimeter is trimmed with a molded edge. The door is also decorated with a figured veneer. Waist doors provide access to the interior of the case. The bonnet is a swan’s neck form. The arched pediment is nicely formed and terminates in carved floral-themed rosettes. Fully turned and fluted bonnet columns or colonnades visually support the bonnet molding. They are free-standing. The arched bonnet door is also fitted with glass and opens to access the painted dial, which is not signed. 

This dial is colorfully painted—the four spandrel areas are decorated with floral patterns in the form of roses. These are framed in a raised gesso pattern highlighted in gilt paint. The time ring is formatted in a traditional display. The hours are Roman-style numerals, and the five-minute markers are Arabic. A lovely coastal scene is painted in the arch of this dial. The sailing vessel is depicted at sail on the sea. To the right is a rocky outcrop. Situated on the rocks is a lighthouse and keepers cottage. The ship is automated and moves in a side-to-side motion driven by the clock’s pendulum. This automated display is a very desirable feature. 

This English-made three-train spring-driven movement is die-stamped on the back plate by the Manufacturer. The die-stamp reads, “SMITH’S / MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN / SMITH’S INDUSTRIES LIMITED.” The works are constructed in brass. They are of adequate quality. They compare favorably to the works made in Germany during the same period. Four steel pillars, secured by threaded nuts, support the two brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the steel pinions and brass gearing. The escapement is a recoil. The three drive springs are encased in brass canisters. The movement is designed to run for eight days once fully wound. It will also strike the hours and quarter hours on chime rods in a Westminster sequence. 

This clock measured approximately 59 inches tall and was made circa 1960.

Inventory number 223328.