Renaissance Revival Carved Oak Tall Case Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 19th-early 20th century
This Renaissance Revival tall case clock features an elaborately carved oak case, attributed to R.J. Horner & Co. of New York. The hood is crowned with an arched superstructure featuring leafage, a grotesque masque, and flanking finials, with gadrooning and egg-and-dart molding.
The hood door is framed by two musician columnettes playing a bagpipe and horn. The case includes pilasters adorned with lion and putti heads, while the door displays carved shells, scrolls, and foliate motifs centering a masque. The base rests on bun feet and features pilasters with lion capitals flanking a townscape panel with three revelers. The brass dial includes a moon phase display and an Arabic numeral chapter ring, signed by the retailer Tilden Thurber Co.
The movement is marked "Elite A1/ W&H/ Sch/ Germany," indicating manufacture by Winterhalder & Hofmeier of the Black Forest.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Tall case clock
- Retailer
- Tilden Thurber Co.
- Case maker
- R.J. Horner & Co.
- Dimensions
- 101 1/4 in. H x 22 5/8 in. W x 16 1/2 in. D
- Provenance
- Henry and Elizabeth Pearce
- Movement maker
- Winterhalder & Hofmeier
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Movement marking
- Elite A1 / W&H / Sch / Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Winterhalder & Hofmeier
Design
- Visible features
- • Case decorated with carved lion and putti motifs • Dial features moon phase indicator and raised Arabic numerals • Movement backplate marks verify origin and model • Finials present on arched hood
- Dial and Movement
- The clock utilizes a brass dial fitted with a moon phase mechanism and a raised chapter ring displaying Arabic numerals. The dial is inscribed with the name of the Providence, Rhode Island-based retailer, Tilden Thurber Co. The horological mechanism is attributed to the Black Forest firm of Winterhalder & Hofmeier, as confirmed by markings on the rear of the movement. The identified markings on the movement provide specific technical identification, specifically reading "Elite A1" in addition to the maker's abbreviation and origin. These details confirm the German origin of the clockwork assembly within the American-attributed case.
- Provenance and History
- The clock was historically held in the collection of Henry Pearce (1838-1909) and his wife, Elizabeth (Leonard Bourne) Pearce, residing in Providence, Rhode Island. The object remained within the family descent to the current consignor. The Pearce residence, known as the Henry and Elizabeth Pearce Estate, was an architectural landmark designed in the Richardson Romanesque style. Following its period as a private residence, the property transitioned to serve as a convent for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence between 1923 and 1952. Since 1953, the site has served as the Division of Applied Mathematics for Brown University.
- Case Construction and Ornamentation
- The clock is housed in an elaborately carved oak tall case, characterized by Renaissance Revival decorative elements. The arched hood features a superstructure adorned with leafage and a central grotesque masque, accented by decorative finials. Further detailing in the hood includes gadrooning and egg-and-dart molding. The hood door is flanked by two distinct columnettes carved as musicians, one depicted with a bagpipe and the other with a horn. The central trunk of the clock continues the ornate theme, featuring gadrooning and egg-and-dart molding. The door is flanked by pilasters decorated with lion and putti heads, while the door panel itself contains carved shells, scrolls, and foliate motifs centered on a masque. The base includes pilasters with lion-head capitals and a recessed panel illustrating a townscape with three revelers, all supported on bun feet.
Identification
- Serial number
- Elite A1
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Case attribution to R.J. Horner & Co. is stated as an attribution
- Research required: Exact date remains a broad range between late 19th and early 20th century