Clock · Longcase clock

18th C. Josiah Emery Mahogany Tall Case Clock

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this George III tall case clock is attributed to Swiss-English horologist Josiah Emery. The mahogany case stands approximately 87 inches tall and features a broken arch top hood flanked by brass-trimmed stop-fluted columns, an arched trunk door with molded trim, and a raised panel base set upon a double plinth. The clock is fitted with a 12-inch silvered arched dial with Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial below XII, a strike/silent lever within the arch, and blued steel hands. The brass movement incorporates a bell hour strike and is powered by two brass-clad weights with a pendulum.

Full front view of the Josiah Emery mahogany tall case clock — Ahlers & Ogletree / Bidsquare. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.bidsquare.com
Category: Clock · Longcase clock
Form: Tall case clock
Maker / attribution: Josiah Emery
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 949
Source-reported date: 18th C.
Source-reported place: England

Maker profile: Josiah Emery — history, key models and current watchmaking.

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Architecture and Visible Design

The object is cataloged as an 18th-century mahogany tall case grandfather clock standing approximately 87 inches high by 21 inches wide and 10.5 inches deep. The auction listing describes it as having a "George III broken arch top case", a hood flanked by brass-trimmed stop-fluted columns, a waist section with a molding-trimmed broken-arch door, and a raised panel base resting on a double plinth.

Visual observation of the primary front-facing photograph confirms a full-length tall case clock in dark mahogany standing on a mottled floor against a white wall. The hood frames the dial display behind glass with lateral fluted columns, above an elongated waist door with an arched upper contour and a rectangular lower base plinth.

Evidence for this section

“George III broken arch top case, the hood with brass trimmed stop-fluted columns, the waist with molding trimmed brokenarch door, raised panel base with double plinth.”
“Approx. h.87", w, 21", d. 10.5".”
“Full-length front view of a tall case grandfather clock in dark mahogany standing on a mottled floor against a white wall.”

Dial Display and Movement Evidence

The dial is described as a 12-inch silvered broken arch dial fitted with Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial positioned below XII, a strike/silent lever set within the arch, and blued steel hands. Visible inspection corroborates the silvered arched dial with dark Roman hour numerals and pierced hands seen through the door glass.

Powering the clock is an internal brass movement incorporating a bell hour strike, a pendulum, and two brass-clad weights. The auction description notes the movement as "apparently working" and additionally states in the condition section that it has been tested and is in working order, though independent mechanical performance is not verified.

Evidence for this section

“Fitted with a 12" broken arch silvered dial featuring Roman numerals, seconds dial below XII and strike/silent lever in the arch and blued steel hands”
“the brass movement with bell hourstrike, apparently working, with pendulum and two brass clad weights.”
“Clock has been tested and is in working order.”

Attribution and Reported Condition

The catalog attributes the clock to Josiah Emery (Swiss/English, ca. 1725–1797). However, no maker's signature or workshop engraving is readable on the dial plate or case from the provided low-resolution photography, leaving the attribution strictly as reported by the auctioneer.

Condition disclosures note that the seconds hand is "probably replaced" and the face door lock is absent. Furthermore, the original glass is present but described as slightly loose, accompanied by minor wear commensurate with age and a small piece of the backboard missing at the upper left.

Evidence for this section

“Josiah Emery (Swiss/English, CA 1725 - 1797).”
“Seconds hand probably replaced.”
“Original glass present, but slightly loose, face door lock is not present. Minor wear commensurate with age, small piece of back-board missing at top left.”

Open research questions

Is there an engraved signature or workshop address inscribed on the dial center, arch, or movement backplate to corroborate the attribution to Josiah Emery?
What escapement type (e.g., deadbeat or recoil) is fitted to the brass movement?
What secondary woods comprise the case framing and seatboard?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 18th C. Josiah Emery Mahogany Tall Case Clock
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker attribution	Josiah Emery (Swiss/English, ca. 1725–1797)	“Josiah Emery (Swiss/English, CA 1725 - 1797).”
Case style	George III broken arch top mahogany case	“George III broken arch top case, the hood with brass trimmed stop-fluted columns, the waist with molding trimmed brokenarch door, raised panel base with double plinth.”
Dial	12-inch silvered broken arch dial with Roman numerals and strike/silent lever	“Fitted with a 12" broken arch silvered dial featuring Roman numerals, seconds dial below XII and strike/silent lever in the arch and blued steel hands”
Movement	Brass movement with bell hour strike, pendulum, and two brass-clad weights	“the brass movement with bell hourstrike, apparently working, with pendulum and two brass clad weights.”
Dimensions	Approx. 87 in. high, 21 in. wide, 10.5 in. deep	“Approx. h.87", w, 21", d. 10.5".”
Original glass condition	Present but slightly loose	“Original glass present, but slightly loose”
Door hardware status	Face door lock is not present	“face door lock is not present.”
Backboard condition	Small piece missing at top left	“small piece of back-board missing at top left.”

Visible details

Full-length front view of a tall case grandfather clock in dark mahogany standing on a mottled floor against a white wall.
Hood features an arched top supported by fluted lateral columns.
Waist section includes a long central door with a shaped arched top.
Silvered arched dial display visible through the hood glass with black Roman hour numerals, upper circular subsidiary dial, and pierced dark hands.

Research qualifications

The maker attribution to Josiah Emery is reported by the auction house; signatures on the movement or dial cannot be verified from the image.
Condition notes state the face door lock is missing, original glass is slightly loose, a small section of backboard is missing at the top left, and the seconds hand is probably replaced.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.