If you set your monitor at FULL SCREEN from TOOLS you will be better able to view the photos
This is a veryhand some antique, hand painted and gilded wooden dial from a wooden works, wall or mantel clock, made probably around 1830. It has been fitted with a new pendulum movement and keeps perfect time. The hands and pendulum are brass and not original to the dial. I can find no maker's marks, but I am sure it is American made.
The surface of this dial is a beautiful old ivory color and is covered by a delicate craquelure. It is entirely stable with no chipping or peeling paint. There is absolutely no serious damage to this dial whatsoever, which is amazing considering its 175 or so years of life. There is a superficial crack between the hours of I and II and the usual signs of its previous mounting on the bottom and top edge.
I have a feeling that the gilding in the corner decorations was renewed at sometime in its long life, as it has a slightly different tint than the rest of the gilding. But rather than a defect, I consider this a testament to the value some previous owner placed on it and the care with which this dial has been preserved. The centrqal medallion and the pendulum bob are both gilded and tinted reddish bronze.
This clock measures 8 2/8 inches tall and 8 7/8 inches wide; with the pendulum in place, the clock is 13 1/2 inches long. It sits out 1 1/2 inches from the wall on which it hangs.
The combination of flashing gold and jet back Roman numerals and the beautiful serpentine hands give this clock a striking visual appeal. In fact, the reflection from the gilding somewhat threw off my light meter, and made it difficult to get accurate images of it.
Altogether, this clock is an excellent example of early American artistry and has a very cheerful feeling to it. I think it would be a welcome addition to almost any decor, but especially one featuring American antiques.
This clock has all of the beauty and charm of a real American antique timepiece without any of the usual troublesome concerns associated with such. I will include instructions on the handling and operation of this movement and, of course, the necessary battery.
Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. And thanks for looking.
AAFA
AAFA means Antique Americana and Folk Art and is used as a short cut to finding items that are true antiques, not reproductions, and are American. I guarantee that all of my items are as described. I will only use the AAFA designation for items which fit the criteria.
Due to limitations of photography and the inevitable differences in monitor settings, the color of the pictures on your monitor may be slightly different from the clock itself, but I did my best to capture it as it is. And, at least on my monitor, the color is a nearly perfect match.
No comments:
Post a Comment