Rocking ship Tall Clock of Quebec, Canada origin. JJ-187.

This unusual case form is attributed to several casemakers who worked in Canada. Other examples with similar case design and construction characteristics have been found to date, including dials signed by Clockmakers known to have worked in Montreal and Quebec City. The most prominent features of this “Quebec style” are the rounded-top hood surmounted by frets and finials, the tapering waist section, the tapering waist door, quarter columns inset into the waist section, and a scroll pattern cut at the bottom of the base panel that forms the feet. Examples have been found in various woods such as pine and mahogany. 

This colorful example is made of pine and features a fully restored red-painted surface. The case stands on its original cutout bracket feet. The scrollwork design is quite typical for the form. The feet are visually separated from the base by a molding that is applied to the case. The base panel is also fitted with a molding that forms a faux panel. As one would expect from a clock case of this origin, the waist section tapers over its entire length. This is also true of the waist door, which is fitted with an applied molding. The sides of this case feature inset concentric ring-turned quarter columns. The arched bonnet features a traditional carved fretwork pattern. This fret is original to this clock and is supported by three chimney plinths. Each plinth is fitted with a decorative brass finial. The bonnet molding is a simple design. The bonnet door is tombstone-shaped and fitted with glass. Fully turned free-standing bonnet columns are nicely shaped and support the upper bonnet molding.
 
The colorful painted wooden dial, featuring an automated rocking ship in the arch section, adds a dynamic artistic element. The floral decorations in the spandrel areas and the Roman numeral time ring enhance its visual appeal, making it a captivating example of maritime-themed clock design. 

The wooden geared movement, attributed to Asa Hopkins of Connecticut, highlights the cross-border exchange of clockmaking techniques. This key-wound, eight-day movement, capable of striking the hour on a cast-iron bell, exemplifies quality craftsmanship and the practice of using imported movements in Canadian clocks. 

The overall height of this example is 7 feet 3 inches.

Inventory number JJ-187.