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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tall case clock

Chippendale Walnut Tall Case Clock by David Rittenhouse

Partially verified

This American Chippendale tall case clock features a movement and composite dial attributed to David Rittenhouse of Norriton Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, dating to circa 1765. The dial is engraved 'David Rittenhouse Norriton' and includes an arched painted moon phase aperture. The walnut case stands 87 inches high with an arched hood and turned colonnettes. Freeman's auction condition report notes that the walnut case is later than the face and works, and the seat board holes do not align with the case cheeks or wedges. Accessories include weights, a winder, a case key, and a damaged pendulum.

Full frontal view of the Chippendale walnut tall case clock with David Rittenhouse dial.
Full frontal view of the Chippendale walnut tall case clock with David Rittenhouse dial. — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
hindmanauctions.com
Category
Clock · Tall case clock
Maker / attribution
David Rittenhouse
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
23
Source-reported date
circa 1765
Country
United States

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

Dial and Mechanism

The composite dial is engraved 'David Rittenhouse Norriton' and includes a painted moon phase mechanism. The clock is supplied with weights, a winder, a case key, and a pendulum.

The pendulum is described as not functional and in several pieces. The source does not provide documentation or imagery of the internal movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “The composite dial engraved, "David Rittenhouse Norriton,"”
  • “painted moon phase mechanism”
  • “Retains winder, case key, weights and a pendulum.”
  • “Pendulum not functional- in several pieces”

Case Construction and Condition

The walnut case stands 87 inches high. The auction documentation notes that the case is later than the face and works.

Reported condition issues include a missing superstructure on the hood, a missing glue block, a cracked base board with a missing segment, and feet that have lost some height. The seat board does not fit the case, extending beyond the cheeks by about half an inch, and its mounting holes do not align with the case cheeks or wedges.

Evidence for this section
  • “H: 87 in. W: 18 ¼ in. D: 11 ¼ in.”
  • “The case, later than face and works”
  • “the hood missing a superstructure.”
  • “one glue block missing, the base board is cracked and missing segment”
  • “the feet appear to be original though have lost some height”
  • “The seat board has numerous drilled holes- none match those on the the case cheeks or wedges.”
  • “The seat board extends beyond the edge of the cheeks/ wedges by about ½ in. on both sides”

Attribution and Provenance

The clock is attributed to David Rittenhouse of Norriton Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, dating to circa 1765.

The source notes that it has been suggested by scholars that the clock is one of eight authentic Rittenhouse clocks in private hands. The provenance is identified as the collection of a South Carolina gentleman.

Evidence for this section
  • “David Rittenhouse (1732-1796), Norriton Township, Montgomery County, PA, circa 1765”
  • “It has been suggested by scholars that this tall case clock is one of only eight authentic Rittenhouse clocks in private hands.”
  • “Collection of a South Carolina gentleman.”

Open research questions

  • What specific scholarly evidence or register supports the claim that this is one of eight authentic Rittenhouse clocks in private hands?
  • What is the historical basis for dating the composite dial to circa 1765 within the Norriton Township period?
  • Can the origin of the later walnut case be identified?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Chippendale Walnut Tall Case Clock by David Rittenhouse
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dial EngravingDavid Rittenhouse Norriton“The composite dial engraved, "David Rittenhouse Norriton,"”
ComplicationPainted moon phase mechanism“painted moon phase mechanism”
Dimensions87 in. x 18 ¼ in. x 11 ¼ in.“H: 87 in. W: 18 ¼ in. D: 11 ¼ in.”
Date and OriginNorriton Township, Montgomery County, PA, circa 1765“Norriton Township, Montgomery County, PA, circa 1765”
Case AssociationLater than face and works“The case, later than face and works, retains original hardware,”
Attributed Datecirca 1765“circa 1765”

Visible details

  • Walnut tall case with an arched hood framed by colonnettes.
  • Arched composite dial plate featuring corner spandrels and a moon phase display in the arch.
  • Waist door with an arched top profile and key escutcheon.
  • Moulded plinth base set on bracket feet.

Research qualifications

  • Source condition report notes the case is later than the face and works.
  • Seat board holes do not match case cheeks or wedges and the board extends beyond the cheeks by about half an inch.
  • Pendulum is in several pieces and not functional; hood is missing a superstructure.
  • Internal movement is not pictured.

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

Consulted source

A fine and rare Chippendale walnut tall case clock,... | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 6ce8b96e35

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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