Thomas Jackson TC-1

HT 90 1/2 " W 21 3/4" D 11 1/4"

featured in Early American Life magazine Aug. 1993 and Aug. 2006

My interpretation of a very fine Thomas Jackson curly maple tall clock features a handmade reproduction movement and a hand-painted moving moon dial. The hood has three brass finials and a crestboard design that some think was inspired by whales’ tails. The wavy pattern on the base, accentuated by the curly maple wood, could have been inspired by the sea as well.

Thomas Jackson was thought to be an Englishman born in 1727. In 1760 he worked in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and nearby Kittery, Maine. Before the revolution, he settled in Preston, Connecticut (now Griswold). His stunning tall case clocks (many made in curly maple) are among the most beautiful made in Connecticut. It is unknown who made his cases.

The handsome Chippendale flat top tall clock is patterned after those made in Pennsylvania, circa 1760. The design of its case is straightforward and reflects English design of the first quarter of the 18th century. The hood is capped with a generous dentiled ogee cornice moulding supported by double beaded hood ends (the dentil may be replaced with a plain moulding).

The handpainted metal dial features a calendar wheel, seconds bit (dial), solid brass grommets in the winding holes and graceful serpentine filigree cut hands. Right - The pendulum assembly with its steel rod and lead-filled brass bob (disc) is typical of the 18th century; as are the two double-hung ten-pound cast iron weights with brass pulleys and brass cord.

Although this clock does not reproduce a specific period clock, it incorporates a variety of period motifs that harmoniously blend with one another to form a handsome end result. It will look appealing in any wood: cherry, curly maple, birdseye maple, or pine. In addition to the wood species, a wide selection of looks can be obtained by a choice of wood finishes or a variety of antique milk paint finishes.

Small windows in the hood allow for viewing the movement. The lockable, removable hood slides forward to access the movement for servicing. The pinched waist supports chamfered corners ending in lambs’ tongues, a feature that lightens the case giving it an even narrower appearance. Vintage glass is used throughout the hood adding to the clock’s venerable qualities.

The optional circular fan motif in the waist door offers a surface relief and a softening of the architectural angularity of the case. The pinched waist flairs out at the base and carries the eye to the ogee bracket feet that gently anchor the piece to the floor giving the whole a most graceful demeanor. A one-piece pine backboard serves as a spine that supports the entire case.

The handpainted metal dial features solid brass grommets in the winding holes, graceful serpentine filigree cut hands, and delicately painted floral motifs in the spandrels with stylized birds in the center dial. Each spandrel is surrounded by a 23k gilded gesso border. The time ring supports both Roman numerals (to describe the hour) and Arabic numerals (to denote minutes). Right - Cherry base, Thomas Jackson

Pennsylvania Chippendale TC-2

HT 82 "

$8,500 Tiger Maple

Bird's Eye Maple (call for estimate)

RIGHT

Pennsylvania Chippendale TC-3

HT 88 "

$11,500 Tiger Maple