Posted 3 years ago
rlwindle
(98 items)
I call this one the Hogwarts clock, no, this clock is not from a Harry Potter movie. It was made by the New Haven clock Co. in New Haven CT. The clock measures 23 inches tall, 11 inches wide and 6 inches in depth. Normally I don't go in for something like this but the detailing and carving is fabulous. When I got it home, I put it in beat and it runs beautifully and keeps great time. Some had the patience of Job to do all the carving on this clock. It does not appear in Tran Duy Ly's book, "New Haven Clocks & Watches", it is one of the earliest New Haven Clocks, the movement in the clock does appear in the book and dates the clock. One of the most interesting clocks I have ever seen.
That is one incredibly beautiful clock!! So very ornate.
Love the look of your clock.
OH, WOW -- what absolutely *incredible* craftsmanship went into that spectacular clock case!!! Does it have any sort of 'signature' on it (in it?) to give a clue who might have actually made it?
So gorgeous, the wood work reminds me of a cathedral
I can only guess at the hours this took to carve.
Newfld -- I was kind thinking along the same lines, not specifically a church (building) itself, but the oftentimes **absolutely spectacular** examples of woodwork found within. Besides the altar work and formal 'onstage' furnishings in a typical big grand old church, there are usually also seldom-seen rooms-ful of similarly gorgeous paneling, custom cabinetry, and such -- used as dressing rooms or for preparation/storage for 'sacred items', etc. etc. I could certainly imagine a clock like this as part of the 'furnishings' in such a room...??
Extremely beautiful!
Gorgeous clock!
The clock has a opening cut out of the bottom near the front of the clock that is about 4" which makes me think that it was mounted on something that fit in that slot (you can barely see it in the forth picture). The bezel lifts up for winding and setting the speed of the clock by means of a two headed key. I think it is some type of ecclesiastical clock from a church or church building that may have been torn down and this was a salvage piece from the church or building.
There are no markings on the case to determine who carved it
Thanks for all the loves.
I forgot to mention that it does chime on the hour and half hour. The chime coil is large.
Very very nice piece.
You clock isn't a standard production model. The case is the product of a type of craft called "fretwork" or "jigsaw" work. Many consider it a form of folk art.
Fretwork/jigsaw was a popular hobby in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In fact, people still engage in it today.
The patterns used to cut the wood were commercially available as were the small foot powered jigsaws used to cut the patterns. In the older items, solid wood, typically walnut or mahogany, was used. I have had some pieces where bird's eye maple was used. For later pieces, plywood was used. These are much less desirable. I also have pieces with painted embellishment.
Clock cases, both wall and shelf, were rather popular choices. I in fact have a virtually identical clock made from the same pattern as yours and have actually seen quite a few others like it. Often each craftsperson added their own little touches so no 2 are quite alike.
The movements and dials of these fretwork clocks varied as the craftsperson used what they could salvage. I have seen both pendulum and lever movements used. The movements were made by many different makers, both foreign and domestic. My version has a Seth Thomas lever movement.
As with most folk art, rarely are they signed.
An amazing wide variety of patterns were available to make all sorts of fretwork/jigsaw items. I also have other shelf as well as wall clocks, all types of shelves, picture frames and even a full sized plant stand.
Nice thing!
Groveland
Wow, so impressive!