An unsigned cherry case tall clock Attributed to Nathan Storrs of Northampton, Massachusetts, and features an automated rocking ship dial. 223022.

The clockworks are constructed in brass and are of good quality. Four-turned pillars support the two brass plates. The brass pillars or posts are a distinctive form. Two tapered cones support a compressed ball in the center. The cones are embellished with several ring turnings. Two clockmakers are identified as using these posts in their movement construction. The first is Nathan Storrs, and the other clockmaker is Eleazer Cary. 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 intended to run for eight days. 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 design is very reliable and is an excellent timekeeper.

This 12-inch iron dial was painted in Boston by the ornamental artist Spencer Nolen. The dial is fitted directly to the movement without using a false plate. The lunette features a rocking ship. This automated display moves side to side with the motion of the pendulum. The fully rigged painted gunship is flying the American flag off its stern and sailing across the turbulent waters. The painted scene behind the sailing ship depicts a cottage and a tall lighthouse built on the edge of a rocky point. This nautical theme is painted on a convex piece of metal which adds to the visual depth of the scene. The four spandrel locations are decorated with geometric patterns. The swags are elevated on the dial with applied gesso and finished in gilt paint. The time ring is formatted with Arabic numerals at the five-minute positions. A dotted minute circle divides these from the larger Roman-style hours. A subsidiary seconds dial is also included in the time display. The hands are filed from steel and have been blued. Both hands are designed with open diamonds. This dial is not signed.

This cherry case is constructed in cherry is retains a lovely nut brown color. The case stands on four restored ogee bracket feet. These are nicely formed and incorporate strong returns. They are applied to double-step molding that is mounted to the base. The waist is long and centers a rectangular-shaped waist door. This door is trimmed with a simple molded edge. This door provides access to the two cast-iron drive weights and the brass-faced pendulum bob. A whale's tails fret pattern is fitted on top of the hood. The frets include three caped finial plinths. Each supports a spirally carved flame finial. The bonnet columns are fluted, ending in brass capitals. The bonnet door is arched in form and glazed. This door opens to access the dial.

This clock stands approximately 7 feet 5 inches tall and was made circa 1795.

Inventory 2230232.