A New World Record

This important Chippendale carved and figured mahogany tall case clock with musical works was inscribed on the dial Paul Rimbault, London. The carving was attributed to Nicholas Bernard and Martin Jugiez, Philadelphia, circa 1775. The dial was inscribed with the names of the songs: "Chiling O Guiry," "Ally Croaker," "Miller of Mansfield," "March," "God Save the King, "Lilebiraro," "Bedford Time," and "Meartune." Dimensions: height 9ft. 3 1/2 in. by width 20in. by depth 10 1/2 in. 286cm by 51cm by 26.5cm.

Monumentally proportioned and masterfully carved, this handsome clock was one of the finest surviving Rococo style tall-case clocks from Colonial Philadelphia. It was in remarkable condition, appearing to retain most of its original components, including its cartouche, finials, rosette terminals, appliqued scrollboard carving, musical movement and ogee bracket feet. The clock may have been displayed at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition, the first major World’s Fair in this country which celebrated 100 years of American cultural and industrial progress, by Augustus Krueger, a clockmaker and possible former owner who cleaned the clock in March of 1876 and May of 1878. A letter attached to the inside of the case door indicated the clock may also have been owned at one time by a former minister of the First Presbyterian Church on West Madison Street in Baltimore, Maryland.