An unsigned inlaid mahogany case tall clock of Southeastern, Massachusetts origin. This clock movement was made in the John Bailey school of clockmaking. 29086.

This finely proportioned inlaid mahogany case stands on four delicately form flared French feet. These are joined below the base panel with a long single sweeping drop apron. The figured panel featured in the base section is framed with simple banding that forms the perimeter. A delicate line inlay pattern highlights this panel. This inlay treatment is repeated in the construction of the waist door. The waist section is fitted with a large rectangular shaped door that is trimmed with a simple applied molding. Through this door one can access the two drive weights and brass faced pendulum bob. Fluted quarter columns are fitted into the corners of the waist. These terminate in turned wooden quarter capitals. The bonnet is of the fret-work style. The pattern is very attractive and compliments the form. Three flute plinths support brass ball and spike finials. The molded arch is visually supported by turned and shaped bonnet columns. These are also decorated with a fluted pattern. The bonnet door is an arched form. It is line inlaid and fitted with glass. The painted dial is easy to view through this door.

This dial is of Boston manufacture. It is an iron dial that is attached directly to the movement with out a false plate. It was most likely painted by the Nolen & Curtis firm of Boston circa 1810. It is skillfully decorated featuring traditional themes for this period. The four spandrel areas are decorated with stylized urns. This decoration is raised on gesso and treated with a gilt paint. In the arch, one will find a view of a castle. The colors are very nice and are in stark contrast to the other decorations on the dial. The time track is displayed in a traditional format. The hours are indicated in a large Roman numerals. Each five minute marker is labeled in an attractive Arabic form. This dial also shows the seconds and the date of the month.

The movement is brass, eight-day duration and of good quality. It is weight driven and features a rack and snail strike system and a recoil escapement. The plates are quite distinctive in the manner which it has been skeletonized. This a treatment often seen in clocks made in South Eastern Massachusetts. Many of John Bailey's clocks and the clocks made by his apprentices are often formatted in this manner. The original tin can weights are still with this clock. The pendulum features a brass faced bob.

This clock was made circa 1810. The mahogany case stands 7 feet 10.5 inches tall to the top of the central finial.

Inventory number 29086.