American Federal Period Jedediah Weiss (b. 1796-1873) Cherry Tall Case Clock, Allentown, Pennsylvania circa 1820-30.
This features an outstanding hood design, with a broken swan's neck pediment with ring carved rosettes flanking a ball-and-steeple finial over a plain plinth, each corner of the hood topped with matched finials. A pair of carved columns flank an arched door with replaced glass, swinging freely over original hinges, constructed using through-tenons, opening to reveal a stunning white painted clock face with Arabic numerals, a 15-30-45-60 along the perimeter of the face marking minutes, and calendar aperture over the signature "J. Weifs Allentown". The painted and gilded shell spandrels, each unique from the next, enclose the clock face, surmounted by a nesting bird watching over her eggs with scenery in the background. The hood is openly dovetailed along the sides with original glass in both tiny round windows. The thin shaft is solid Cherry, with a thick molded door swinging on replaced hinges and decorative strap hinges, the lock and key both replaced. The clock rests over a box-base over four original turned feet. The back of the case is entirely original with old rose head nails visible throughout, with an old entirely illegible label still affixed on the removable back board behind the hood. The works appear to be well preserved, with hand forged brass link chain holding the hand forged iron weight behind the brass pendulum. We have not tested the clock or examined it for completeness, though we have some condition notes below on the pendulum.
This is a stunning piece with an outstanding amount of originality in every aspect of the case and clock. Not many tall case clocks come to the market from Jedediah Weiss, the famous clockmaker that Charles F. Beckel of Bethlehem PA, apprenticed beneath. This is an investment grade antique for any serious collector of American furniture, and a work of art that will be treasured by your family for generations to come.
Measurements:
Hood: 19 3/4" wide x 10 1/4" deep
Base: 19" wide x 10" deep
Total height: 95"
Condition:
Visually Outstanding Condition
Refinished. All feet original. Finials original; they join the hood with a long hand forged nail, so over time this has become loose. Some are glued, but all are still loose - the middle plinth beneath the finial may be replaced or added. Some looseness in the case between the shaft and base - we would just stress that you be carefully to lift from the bottom, not from the shaft, as is the case with all clocks. Glass on the arched door is replaced, the glass in either side of the hood are both original - however, one has a hairline crack in it. Hinges for the arched door appear to be fully original, but the top hinge has newer screws. There has been some strengthening to behind the pediment and face of the hood - this is visible in a top down shot of the hood. Paint flecks here and there. Back and underside entirely original with no replacements; old rose heads throughout back and bottom still in original positions. The backboard for the hood does not have any screws or nails to hold it in place - it is meant to be removed from the back when disassembling the clock, but over time the original screws/nails for affixing it to the case have been lost. Key, lock and hinges replaced - we believe the strap hinges are decorative additions that probably were not present in the original design. Minor dings and nicks here and there, along with normal wear to the feet. Pendulum is original with inscriptions on the back, the top of the pendulum swinging strap being broken (typical with clocks as this is a very thin piece of metal).
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