A unique, colorful, unsigned tall case clock of New Jersey origin. The figured mahogany veneered case is decoratively inlaid in the manner of cases made in the Flemington region. XXSL-48.
The case exhibits fine, narrow proportions and features excellent figured wood selections positioned throughout its design. The case is finished in shellac, promoting the richly colored natural tones of the wood. The light line inlays sharply contrasts with the darker mahogany. This format easily attracts one's attention.
The case stands high on delicate feet. A circular inlay of figured mahogany is centered in the base panel. Interestingly, this circular panel features a large knot in its grain pattern and is framed with a thin double-line pattern around its perimeter. Quarter selections of veneer form the square shape of the base. They are mitered at the corners. The waist section is long and narrow, centering a shaped waist door. The door is framed with a thin line of maple inlay. Please note the use of figured veneers and the large oval panel in the door design. Fluted quarter columns front the corners of the waist. These terminate in turned wooden quarter capitals. The blocking is framed in line inlays. Bookend inlay patterns are used in the upper section of the waist and in the hood's design. The bonnet is designed with a swan's neck pediment. These delicate arches are tall. They terminate in inlaid wooden pinwheels of two alternating colors. Three brass finials are mounted on plinths at the top of the hood. The fully turned and fluted columns, mounted in brass capitals, flank the arched glazed door. This door opens to a colorfully painted iron dial.
This painted iron dial is a Boston product. It has the traditional displays of hours, minutes, seconds, and calendar days. The geometric-style spandrels are very colorful and painted to appear three-dimensional. The lunette shows a nautical scene, including a sailing ship making its way through rough seas. Additional sailboats are located in the background. I am happy to bring to your attention the nicely shaped steel hands. Even the second hand is designed with a similar weaving pattern.
The movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. Four-turned and slightly shaped steel pillars support the two brass plates. The brass plates feature a half-circle cutout at the bottom. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions, brass gearing, grooved winding drums, and recoil escapement. 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 a cast iron bell mounted above the movement.
This beautiful case is 91.5 inches tall (7 feet, 7.5 inches) to the top of the center finial.
Inventory number XXSL-48.
