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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tall clock

Tall Clock by Nathan Storrs

Partially verified

This American tall clock is attributed to the maker Nathan Storrs (1768–1839) and dated to the period of 1800–1810. The object is held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession number 21.67. The case is constructed from a combination of woods, specifically identified as maple, holly, ebony, white pine, and tulip poplar. The clock stands at a height of 99 1/2 inches (252.7 cm). The visual presentation includes an arched hood with finials, a dial featuring a moon phase display, and a trunk door decorated with an oval inlay depicting an eagle motif. The base incorporates a circular inlay featuring a star pattern. Documentation is provided by the holding institution as part of their permanent collection records.

Full view of the tall clock, showing the hood, trunk, and base with inlay.
Full view of the tall clock, showing the hood, trunk, and base with inlay. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Tall clock
Maker / attribution
Nathan Storrs
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
21.67
Source-reported date
1800–1810
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 Materials

The tall clock features a wooden case constructed from a variety of timber types, including maple, holly, ebony, white pine, and tulip poplar. The architectural form consists of an arched hood topped with finials. The trunk door is ornamented with an oval inlay displaying an eagle figure.

The base section is decorated with a large circular inlay containing a central star design. The overall height of the clock is recorded as 99 1/2 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “Maple, holly, ebony, white pine, tulip poplar”
  • “H. 99 1/2 in. (252.7 cm)”
  • “Made in Utica, New York, United States”

Dial and Horological Features

The clock is equipped with a dial that includes a moon phase display positioned within the arch. The visible layout indicates an analog display with central hands, although the specific mechanical details of the movement are not documented in the provided collection records.

The dial remains a primary point for verifying the maker attribution to Nathan Storrs. The mechanism is intended to operate as a timekeeper within the tall clock housing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Tall clock”
  • “Tall Clock made by Nathan Storrs”

Institutional Provenance

The object is part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, identified by the accession number 21.67. It is situated within The American Wing of the museum. The acquisition was supported by the Rogers Fund in 1921.

The museum maintains these details in their online collection registry. While the maker is listed as Nathan Storrs, the institutional record contains external metadata referencing other craftsmen, which appears unrelated to this horological object.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 21.67”
  • “Credit line: Rogers Fund, 1921”
  • “The American Wing”

Open research questions

  • Confirm the provenance of the internal movement components
  • Verify if the eagle inlay is consistent with known work by Nathan Storrs

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tall Clock by Nathan Storrs
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerNathan Storrs“Nathan Storrs (1768–1839)”
Date1800–1810“1800–1810”
MaterialsMaple, holly, ebony, white pine, tulip poplar“Maple, holly, ebony, white pine, tulip poplar”
DimensionsH. 99 1/2 in. (252.7 cm)“H. 99 1/2 in. (252.7 cm)”
GeographyUtica, New York“Made in Utica, New York, United States”
InstitutionThe Metropolitan Museum of Art“The Metropolitan Museum of Art”

Visible details

  • Arched hood with finials
  • Dial with moon phase indicator
  • Oval inlay on the trunk door featuring an eagle
  • Base with circular inlay pattern

Research qualifications

  • The source notes that movements and cases were often made by different workshops and sometimes married later
  • The museum provides conflicting secondary information attributing the object to Hugues Sambin, Jean Durant, and Jean Marcorelle in the metadata section

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

Consulted source

Tall Clock by Nathan Storrs, American, 1800–1810

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 566558b539

Terms in this record

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

Other tall clock records