Blue-painted and Gilt-paper Applique-decorated Tall Clock

Description:

Blue-painted and Gilt-paper Applique-decorated Tall Clock, Thomas Clark, Boston, Massachusetts, c. 1750, the hood with pagoda top centering a carved wooden finial, above a tombstone glazed door flanked by freestanding columns opening to the engraved brass dial with seconds hand, calendar aperture, and cast brass spandrels, maker's name "Thos. Clark/Boston," and brass eight-day weight-driven movement, on waist with molded tombstone door, the back of the door with applied engraved maker's label of Thomas Clark inscribed in part "Boston/New- England/from/London," and a handwritten note dated 1815 detailing the purchase of the clock at that time, all on molded stepped base, ht. 91 1/2 in.

Provenance: The handwritten note on the inside of the door below the label, signed by the seller Samuel Pike, reads in full: "Capt. John Warren/Bot of Saml. D. Pike/One House Clock formerly belonging/to the Estate of the late Rev./Saml Deane of Portland/Westbrook, Nov. 9. 1815/Rec'd payment/[signed] Saml D. Pike." Samuel Deane (1733-1814) was the pastor of the First Parish Church in Portland. That congregation, established in 1674, now inhabits the stone building at 425 Congress St. in Portland, which incorporates an 1802 tower housing a Simon Willard gallery clock from an earlier church building.

Note: Clark advertised as a watch and clock maker in Boston in 1764.
Estimate $4,000-6,000

missing cast brass ornament from arch of dial; overall surface wear; applique areas in hood, waist, and base chipped and with losses; hood door glass cracked; with pendulum, winder, two cast iron weights; two brass finials replaced, but one carved urn-form center finial appears original.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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