Sibley & Marble of New Haven, Connecticut. A fantastic mahogany tall case clock decorated with inlays. 219133.
This very nicely proportioned tall case clock is constructed in mahogany and is decorated with line inlays. The recently applied shellac finish highlights the grain and wood tones of the wood selected. The colors are excellent.
This formal example is constructed in mahogany and features several line inlay patterns that decorate the case. The case retains an older finish that has mellowed into a soft patina. The case stands on four flared French feet. They are tall and raise the base section off the floor. They are visually connected with a nicely shaped apron and separated from the base by a band of inlay. The front panel of the base features a figured mahogany panel that is vertically grained. A delicate string inlay pattern with olovo corners frames this area. The waist of this clock is long and narrow. The front corners are fitted with finely reeded quarter columns. These terminate in turned wooden quarter capitals. The shaped waist door features a fantastic selection of mahogany veneer. It is also decorated with line inlay patterns. This door opens to access the interior of the case. Below the door is an additional decorative "Irish" panel. A fancy New England-style fretwork pattern is positioned at the top of the hood. The bonnet features a very interesting New England-style fret. This is a pattern that may be unique to this clock. The frets and the three chimneys are original to this clock. A brass ball-and-spike finial is mounted on top of each plinth. The molded arch is supported by finely reeded bonnet columns and turned wooden capitals. These flank the arched bonnet door.
This imported English dial is fitted with a false plate. The time track is presented in two separate formats. The five-minute markers are painted in an Arabic form. A dotted minute ring separates them from the Roman-style hour numerals. A subsidiary seconds dial and month calendar are located inside the time ring. The four spandrel areas are colorfully decorated with floral patterns. A dotted frame pattern frames the artwork. One will find a moon phase mechanism or lunar calendar in the arch of this dial. The lunar calendar or moon phase mechanism is a mechanical almanac. This feature was most likely made on special order due to the extra work involved in producing it. This display would have been valuable to several occupations during the colonial era. Farmers were known to track the moon phase to anticipate the days that offered the most available moonlight. A bright night would be more beneficial to them in scheduling their tilling and harvesting of their fields. Sailors and merchants track the lunar phases to know when the high tide would allow their ships to sail easily from the port or when the fishing might be best. Numerous religious groups had an almost superstitious litany of rituals best performed under lunar events. The lunar month represents an inconvenienced interval of 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 2.8 seconds. A tall clock's lunar calendar is set constant at 29.5 days, which represents a complete cycle. As a result, a 9-hour setback is required at the end of a single year to keep the lunar display current.
This fine movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. Four turned pillars support the two brass plates. The plates are a complete rectangle. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions and brass gearing. The winding drums are grooved. The escapement is a recoil.. The weight-driven movement is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It is a two-train or a time-and-strike design, having a rack and snail striking system. As a result, it will strike each hour on the hour on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement.
This clock stands approximately 97 inches or 8 feet 1 inches tall. The lower bonnet molding is 20 inches across and runs 10.5 deep.
This clock was made circa 1810
This is one of two clocks found to date signed by these Makers.
Inventory number 219133.
Sibley & Marble (Clark Sibley & Simeon Marble) are listed in American Clocks Volume 3. American Clockmakers & Watchmakers. This reference book was written by Sonya L. Spittler, Thomas J. Spittler, and Chris H. Bailey and lists them as working in New Haven, Connecticut, from April 1801 through 1807. This partnership was located on Chapel Street, two doors west of Mess. Street & Hughes location. It ended when Sibley died in 1807. Sibley was the firm's active clockmaker. They advertised their service as clock and watchmakers. They also advertised the ability to manufacture steeple clocks, which range in price from $200 to $1,000. Eight-day house clocks with moon and plain faces warranted timepieces, clock and watchmakers' lathes and engines. "Swords and cutlasses mounted with brass or silver in the best manner. Clocks & Watches, Mathematics & Surgeon's Instruments carefully repaired." Marble continued in the jewelry and silverware retail business for many years.
