Images(4)

Tall Case Clock Works

Date1810-1825

Maker Riley Whiting (fl. 1807 - 1835)

OriginAmerica, Connecticut, Winchester

MediumOak, cherry, laural, white pine, tulip poplar, iron

DimensionsOH: 16"; OW: 11 15/16"; OD: 7"

Credit LineGift of Juli Grainger

Object number2008.2000.1,B

DescriptionWooden 30-hour movement; white painted arched dial signed "R. Whiting / Winchester" across the center against gold background; arched section of dial painted with pink flowers in center, surrounded by a gilded oval border; top edge of arch accented with a matching gilded border; pink floral painted spandrels with gilded borders; Arabic hour and minute numerals; seconds dial below XII on face with Arabic numerals 10-60 by 10s painted around the outside with a tiny dotted border, center of seconds dial has painted blue curtains with red ties; white house on green grass with red roof painted above VI on face; false winding holes as center of gilded star motif flank house; replaced battons on back of clock face.
Label TextRosewood, a startling and expensive red and black striped tropical wood, was a fashionable but rare choice for high style European furniture of the early 19th century. Consequently, Americans frequently chose to imitate it in paint. This clock case illustrates a visually arresting rosewood faux-grained surface. Interestingly, the grained decoration runs horizontally. For structural reasons, much of the wood of the clock runs vertically.

Riley Whiting (w.1807-1835) was one of the early makers of wooden clock movements in America. These wooden movements were mass produced, making them less expensive than imported brass works and therefore more accessible to larger numbers of people.
InscribedR. Whiting / Winchester" painted on clock face.
ProvenancePurchased by donor from Frank & Barbara Pollack in 1991.

Exhibition(s)