South Eastern New Hampshire origin. An unsigned tall case clock.

210056 South Eastern New Hampshire origin. Unsigned.

This is an interesting case form. It seems to have been somewhat popular in Portsmouth New Hampshire, north along the Spaulding Turnpike to the city of Rochester and then north west to Sandbornton. We have seen a fair number for clock cases that share this distinctive bonnet form that have had dials signed by clockmakers that include, Elisha Smith Junior, Simeon Cate Junior, James Cole and James Cross. The highest proportion seem to be from the Rochester area.

This mixed woods New Hampshire case is nicely proportioned. It is constructed in a number of woods that include New England white pine secondary wood, birch framing, mahogany and mahogany veneers. The case retains much of it's original red wash which is under a modern shellac finish. These mixed woods cases were often treated with a red wash. It is thought that this was applied in an attempt to simulate the color of mahogany which would have been more expensive, and ore difficult to obtain. The fine example stands up on cutout bracket feet. A simple drop apron visually hangs from the center of the base panel. It is separated by an interesting line inlaid pattern. The base section is decorated with a line inlaid framing. The stringing used here is composed of a very thin light and dark string lines. The waist is long and narrow. A rectangular shaped waist door is veneered with mahogany and features mahogany cross banding. The edge is framed with a simple applied molding. Fully turned and thinly reeded waist quarter columns terminate at brass quarter capitals. The bonnet features a flat cornice molding that is surmounted by a gallery fret. This gallery is nicely shaped and is supported by three plinths. These are capped. It appears that this case was never fitted with finials. The bonnet columns are smoothly turned and mounted in brass capitals. They flank the bonnet door which is fitted with glass and opens to access the dial.

The iron dial was most likely painted by the Willard & Nolen firm of Boston, Massachusetts. The four spandrel areas are decorated with raised gesso designs that are highlighted with gilt paint. In the arch is a painted medallion. Here a confident woman is walking from the countryside with a bouquet of flowers in one arm and a staff of flowers in the other. She is colorfully dressed. The time ring is formatted with Arabic numerals and also Arabic five minute markers. A subsidiary seconds dial and a day of the moth calendar are displayed in their traditional locations.

The eight-day movement is brass and is powered by weights. This movement is designed to strike the hour on a cast iron bell. It features a rack and snail striking system. The movement is good quality.

This clock was made circa 1810. This case is stands a very manageable 7 feet 1 inches tall.