An unusual and beautifully presented oval shaped dial tall case clock with quarter striking movement. This example is unsigned. XX-42.

This very unusual example has an oval-shaped dial. The case exhibits traditional 1785 Northern English form and proportions. It is constructed in oak and retains a light brown and reddish finish. The current photos are not an accurate depiction of the case color.

The case stands on four applied ogee bracket feet. These are applied to a molding that runs along the bottom of the base panel. The front corners of the base are canted. These terminate in a lambs tongue molding at the bottom. The lower waist molding is designed to accommodate this design change and, as a result, requires two additional sections of moldings to make the turn. The base section features an applied panel. This panel is trimmed with a molded edge. Please take a look at the corner design. The waist section centers a nicely shaped waist door. This is also trimmed with a molded edge. The sides of the waist are fitted with fluted quarter columns mounted in brass quarter capitals. The bonnet is a swan's neck pediment form. The arches are nicely formed and terminated in carved rosettes. These are wonderfully detailed and skillfully made. They center a turned wooden finial supported on a carved central plinth. Fully turned and fluted bonnet columns ending in brass capitals flank the bonnet door. This door features a large oval cutout that frames the dial.

The highly unusual oval brass dial is beautifully formatted. It is composed of a brass base sheet decorated with applied brass spandrels and chapter rings. At the top of the dial is a lunar calendar display. This displays the phases of the moon against the two engraved hemispheres of the world. The time ring, seconds ring, and hemispheres are finished in a silver wash for contrast. The large chapter ring is also applied to the dial. This ring displays the hours, which are indicated with Roman-style numerals. Fleur-dis-lis are positioned between each hour. The five-minute markers are indicated in each hour position with Arabic-style numerals. The minute ring is closed. The center of this area is nicely matted. This was most likely done to aid in one's ability to locate the hands while reading the dial. A brass dial will tarnish, making it somewhat difficult to read in a room lit by candles. This dial also features the subsidiary seconds dial, which is engraved and silvered. The steel hands are wonderfully made and quite stylish in their design.

The movement is constructed in brass, having nicely finished cast brass plates supported by smoothly turned brass posts. The gearing is brass, and the pinions are steel. The movement is weight driven and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. This clock strikes the hour and the quarters hours on a bell mounted above the frames. The strike train is located between the plates and is actuated by a rack and snail design. The winding barrels grooved. A seat-board supports the movement.

This clock stands 8 feet 1 inch tall to the top of the center finial. It is approximately 23.25 inches wide and 10.25 inches deep. It was made circa 1785.

It is inventory number XX-42.