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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tall case clock

Kentucky Federal cherry and mahogany tall-case clock

Partially verified

This Kentucky Federal tall-case clock features a brass eight-day movement and a painted sheet-iron dial. The case is constructed from cherry and poplar secondary woods and exhibits contrasting veneer work. It stands 95 1/2 inches in height. The bonnet design incorporates an arched door and four full turned columns. The waist includes a hinged door flanked by chamfered corners with lamb's tongue terminals, resting on a panel base. The auction description notes potential alterations to the bonnet and that the clock may be missing its feet. It originates from the estate of Charlie Casper. The object is referenced in the literature, specifically the Speed Art Museum publication 'Making Time: The Art of the Kentucky Tall-Case Clock'.

Full view of the Kentucky Federal cherry and mahogany tall-case clock.
Full view of the Kentucky Federal cherry and mahogany tall-case clock. — Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Tall case clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
2258
Source-reported date
Early 19th century
Source-reported place
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

Case Construction and Design

The clock is housed in a tall-case constructed with cherry and poplar secondary woods. It exhibits contrasting veneer work on its exterior surfaces. The pediment bonnet features an arched door flanked by four full turned columns. The waist section is characterized by a hinged door flanked by chamfered corners that terminate in lamb's tongue details.

The case stands on a panel base. The overall height of the clock is recorded as 95 1/2 inches. The auction description suggests the bonnet may have been altered and was possibly designed with a broken-arch top originally. It is further noted that the clock might be missing its feet.

Evidence for this section
  • “case with pediment bonnet featuring arched door, four full turned columns, hinged waist door flanked by chamfered corners with lamb's tongue terminals, and panel base”
  • “case exhibiting exceptional contrasting veneer work”
  • “Bonnet with alterations, likely a broken-arch originally. Possibly lacking feet”

Movement and Dial

The timekeeping mechanism consists of a brass eight-day movement. The clock face is a painted sheet-iron dial. The dial includes a moon phase display at the top arch.

The current working condition of the movement is unknown according to the auction house reports.

Evidence for this section
  • “brass eight-day movement”
  • “painted sheet-iron dial”
  • “Dial likely re-painted.”
  • “Unknown working condition”

Provenance and Documentation

The object originated from the estate of Charlie Casper of Pittsboro, North Carolina. The clock is referenced in the publication 'Making Time: The Art of the Kentucky Tall-Case Clock' by the Speed Art Museum.

The publication provides information on a similar clock currently in the collection of Mack and Sharon Cox, which possesses a documented history of descent within the family of Senator John Brown of Frankfort, Kentucky.

Evidence for this section
  • “Property from the estate of Charlie Casper, Pittsboro, NC.”
  • “See Speed Art Museum - Making Time: The Art of the Kentucky Tall-Case Clock , p. 48, fig. 11.1 for a similar example”

Open research questions

  • What is the maker of the brass movement, if any maker mark is present internally?
  • Were the feet replaced or completely absent at the time of the estate acquisition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Kentucky Federal cherry and mahogany tall-case clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement typebrass eight-day movement“brass eight-day movement”
Case construction materialscherry and poplar“Cherry and poplar secondary woods”
Height95 1/2 inches“95 1/2" HOA.”
Dial materialpainted sheet-iron“painted sheet-iron dial”
ProvenanceEstate of Charlie Casper“Property from the estate of Charlie Casper, Pittsboro, NC.”
Condition notesminor scattered wear“Good overall visual condition with minor scattered wear.”

Visible details

  • Painted dial includes moon phase indicator
  • Waist door features oval veneer inlay
  • Four full turned columns support the bonnet
  • Base has geometric veneer pattern

Research qualifications

  • Dial is likely re-painted
  • Bonnet exhibits signs of alterations
  • Clock may be lacking original feet

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

Consulted source

KENTUCKY FEDERAL CHERRY AND MAHOGANY TALL-CASE CLOCK

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record a0e42bce5f

Terms in this record

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

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