Perry County, Pennsylvania, tall case clock.
This clock is a virtual mate to one that we found in Massachusetts in 1999. We have included with the clock, a detailed description of the other tall case clock because of their relevance to each other. During the construction of the waist portion, the clock case was secured during assembly using a dovetailed board across the seat rest. This is so unusual, that it clearly relates this clock to its mate and also to a third specimen made by a clock maker named John Albert who worked in Perry County (Tyrone Township),Pennsylvania. All three cases feature this unusual case construction. The noted Central Pennsylvania furniture scholar and collector John J. Snyder, Jr. has recorded specimens with this construction feature that were made in the early 19th Century in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties, Pennsylvania. On the John Albert clock seatboard, three names were punch-branded: G. Koser, J.A. Diven and J.P. Diven. According to Ms. Merri Lou Schaumann, noted researcher of Cumberland County Pennsylvania history, these three names all appear in Tyrone Township in Perry County in the 1810's and 1820's-the same township in which John Albert the clockmaker was at work from ca 1820-1840. It is therefore strongly suggested that all three of these clocks were made in the same locality and probably by John Albert. According to Mr. Snyder, the reeded panels and the double paneled fronts of all the matching cases are features sometimes found in Lancaster County (Pennsylvania) tall case clocks. This suggests that the cabinetmaker originated in that region. The beautiful solid Cherry case on this fine clock stands just under eight feet in height. The ornamental skirt at the bottom of the base was restored by an earlier owner. The painted iron dial displays on each spandral (corner), the well-known American shields made popular during the War of 1812 (see photograph). There is also a date elipse on the dial and a working moon phase in the arch (see photograph). The movement has been professionally cleaned and adjusted for perfect operation. Pennsylvania tall case clocks are always a prized 'catch' eagerly sought by collectors. We expect this one to move into it's next owner's home very soon. The clock is being sold by Old Timers LLC on consignment from one of the nation's most respected authorities on American tall case clocks. It includes printed documentation posted inside the waist door. Professional, custom shipping is available throughout the Continental United States for a nominal additional fee. Height: 96 in. (243.84 cm) Depth: 12 in. (30.48 cm) Width: 20 in. (50.80 cm) Weight: 45
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