Read and Watson Tall Case Clock with Masonic Dial,
cherry with poplar secondary. Broken arch pediment with inlaid rosettes, 4 free-standing turned columns, and arched sidelights. Waist and base have canted corners with lamb's tongues top and bottom, string inlay surrounding cross-banded walnut. Double-cyma curved door has original pull and inlaid stringing surrounding ellipse of crotch walnut veneer. Base also has string inlay surrounding ellipse of crotch walnut veneer, as well as shaped skirt with cross-banded walnut and double string inlay, and French feet. The original polychrome and gilt dial is signed, Read & Watson Cincinnati, Ohio inside the chapter ring (in partnership in Cincinnati ca 1815-1816). Spandrels have floral motifs, and dial arch decorated with masonic symbols. 30-hour wooden movement sits on seat board stamped IS, a known, but unidentified, mark. A very well-designed clock. 92" high x 18" wide x 9" deep.Ex Paul A. Heffner Collection.Partially refinished, front feet damaged and repaired, hood door detached and repaired and has original glass, sidelights lacking glass, backboard reinforced, several cracks in the waist and waist door, missing all finials and V-shaped central plinth; G-, and worthy of restoration.
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