A colorful unsigned flaming birch tall case clock made in southeastern New Hampshire. 224085.
This Rochester, New Hampshire area tall case clock features a birchwood constructed case and a modern finish that compliments the vibrant grain pattern and the wood’s light natural coloring. We have owned a significant number of Rochester area-made cases. This group of clocks unusually features indigenous woods and Boston-painted dials. Interestingly, the Rochester, NH, Clockmakers James Cole and James Cross signed several of these.
This is a beautiful example due to its memorable grain pattern. Birchwood is naturally light in color and typically features a straight grain. The wood selected for this example is unusual because it is fancier and more colorful than the birch generally used in furniture making. Please take note of the extraordinary figure and the streaks of a darker tone. This pattern is often described as “flaming birch.” The patterns are so exuberant that the case has been described as a show-stopper.
The case is gracefully elevated on four flared French feet. These are designed with an attractive flowing double-drop apron. A band of mahogany inlay separates the feet from the base panel. The wood, purposely selected for this location, features a cascading grain pattern. The waist section is fitted with a rectangular-shaped waist door. This provides access to the two drive weights and the brass-faced pendulum. The door is decorated with a banded frame of mahogany. The wooden panel selected for the door is also vibrantly grained. The bonnet of the clock is decorated with smoothly turned columns that visually support the molded arch. Reeded chimneys support a unique whale’s tail fretwork and the three original brass ball-and-spike finials.
A second particularly noteworthy feature of this clock is its dial. It was produced by the esteemed Boston dial painting firm of Nolen & Curtis, a company that dominated the industry in New England during the early 1800s. The original iron dial on this clock is a testament to their skill, with vibrant colors and intricate details reflecting American clock dial-making’s pinnacle. Boston-painted dials often employ kelly greens, deep blood reds, and mustard yellows, skillfully combined with gilt gold, creating a visually brilliant display. The dial features decorative spandrels and raised gesso decorations, highlighted with gilt paint. The arch is adorned with an elegant sunburst motif, including vines, fruit, and flowing gilded swag.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the clock boasts a high-quality brass weight-driven movement, a hallmark of fine clockmaking. This mechanism, capable of running for eight days on a single winding, reliably strikes the hour on a cast iron bell. The movement’s precision and durability reflect the meticulous craftsmanship that went into creating this timepiece. As a whole, this clock is not just a functional object but a piece of art that captures the essence of early American design and the exceptional skill of its makers. It has been recently serviced and is in excellent working order, ensuring its functionality for years to come.
This fine country tall clock was made circa 1815.
The clock case stands 6 feet and 11.5 inches tall, making it a striking addition to any room. Its modest size, with a bonnet that is 19.25 inches wide and 9.75 inches deep, makes it easy to fit under the ceiling of many early New England homes.
Inventory number 224085.
