Thomas Harben of Lewes Cliff, Sussex UK. A country tall clock.

Thomas Harben is listed in Brian Loomes "Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World" as working as early as 1738 until his death in 1766. It appears he apprenticed to Thomas Barret. The format of the dial and the styling of this case confirms this early date of manufacture. The town of Lewes is located in the south of London by approximately 44 miles.

Today, this is considered a country case tall clock. It is constructed in elm. It stands a mere 72 inches or 6 feet tall to the top of the cornice molding. The case stands on applied bracket base. The lower board is simply shaped and forms a simple foot and a drop apron. The waist is long and narrow. It is fitted with a rectangular shaped waist door. The door is trimmed with a molded edge. The door opens to access the interior of the case. The bonnet is a flat top form. The bonnet door is simply formed and fitted with glass. Turned bonnet columns are applied to the sides of this door. They are turned smooth and terminate in wooden capitals that are treated with a gilt paint. The cornice molding is divided by a freeze that is fitted with blind frets.

The dial is brass. It features an applied chapter or time ring and cast brass spandrels. The center mat is skillfully engraved with rococo themes. The Maker's signature and working location are also engraved in this location. The hour numerals engraved in the time ring are a Roman format. The minute markers are engraved on the inside of this ring. A single steel hand displays the time.

The movement is categorized as a posted frame format. It is constructed in brass and steel. The gearing and frame is brass. The arbors and cast bell are iron. This movement is designed to run 30 hours on a full wind. One winds this example by pulling on a cord located inside the case. It will also strike the hour on the bell. This is done with the use of a countwheel.

This clock stands approximately 72 inches tall. It was made circa 1740.

Inventory Number TT-110.