William Crane, Canton, Massachusetts. A mahogany case tall case clock with a moonphase dial. 222030.

This fine example has very narrow proportions. The case is veneered in figured mahogany that exhibits lively grain patterns. The modern shellac finish is clean and consistent and accentuates the flowing grain in the wood. This case stands on four flared French feet. They are nicely formed and have excellent height. Please note the shaped apron. It is a lovely design and forms a graceful transition between the feet as it hangs from the base panel. The base features a beautifully figured mahogany veneered front panel. This panel is framed with a cross-banded mahogany border. A broad waist molding transitions the base into the waist section. The front corners of this waist section are fitted with inset fluted quarter columns. These terminate in brass quarter capitals and are stopped with brass rods. A rectangular-shaped waist door trimmed with reeded molding is centered in this section. The hood or bonnet is surmounted by three capped and fluted finial plinths or chimneys. Each supports a fancy brass finial. The plinths also help support an attractive pierced and open lacy pattern fretwork. Fully turned and bras-stopped fluted bonnet columns are mounted in brass capitals. They are positioned on either side of the bonnet door. The bonnet or hood door is fitted with glass and opens to allow access to the painted iron dial. 

This dial is of English manufacture and was painted by the Wilson firm of Birmingham. It is skillfully decorated in bright colors and features traditional themes for this period. In the lunette is a lunar calendar. This is a visual display of the phases of the moon. The painted hemispheres remain in excellent original condition. These are usually faded and difficult to read. The four spandrel areas are decorated with floral patterns. The time track features Roman hour-style numerals separated from the Arabic five-minute markers by a dotted minute ring. A subsidiary seconds dial is located below the Roman numeral XII. The clockmaker below the calendar aperture enthusiastically signs this dial. It reads, “Wm Crane.” The steel hands are well formed. The hour hand is very nicely designed. This painted iron dial is attached to the movement with a false plate. 

This fine movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. Four-turned pillars support the two brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions, brass gearing, and recoil escapement. The winding drums are grooved. 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 the hour on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement. The original tin can weights are still with this clock. The pendulum features a brass-faced bob. 

This case measures approximately 7 feet 9 inches tall to the top of the center brass finial. The bonnet is 18.75 inches wide and 9.75 inches deep.
 
This clock was made circa 1815. 

Inventory number 222030.