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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tall clock

Tall Clock by Thomas Harland

Partially verified

This tall clock, accessioned as 18.110.29, is attributed to the maker Thomas Harland (1735–1807) and dated to approximately 1775. The object is recorded as being of American manufacture, originating from Norwich, Connecticut. Constructed using mahogany and white pine, the clock stands at a recorded height of 93 3/4 inches, with a width of 21 1/8 inches and a depth of 10 1/2 inches. The clock is currently held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art within The American Wing. The object was acquired in 1918 through the John Stewart Kennedy Fund. The design features a traditional long-case configuration. The museum identifies the materials as mahogany and white pine and notes its presence in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Full view of the tall clock, showing the mahogany case, pediment, and dial window.
Full view of the tall clock, showing the mahogany case, pediment, and dial window. — 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
Thomas Harland (1735–1807)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
18.110.29
Source-reported date
ca. 1775
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 and Dial

The exterior of the clock is formed in a tall-case style, utilizing a combination of mahogany and white pine. The case stands over 93 inches in height, with a door that provides access to the pendulum and weights. The clock is topped by a pediment structure adorned with finials, which sits above the dial door.

The dial is positioned within the upper trunk, protected by a glass door. The face displays a chapter ring with Roman numerals and is equipped with elaborate hands.

The case dimensions are specified as 93 3/4 by 21 1/8 by 10 1/2 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “The museum records its materials as: Mahogany, white pine.”
  • “Recorded dimensions: 93 3/4 x 21 1/8 x 10 1/2 in. (238.1 x 53.7 x 26.7 cm).”

Movement and Mechanism

The movement is a weight-driven mechanism mounted between two rectangular brass plates. The movement is mounted to a wooden seat board, which facilitates its placement within the clock case.

A bell is mounted at the top of the movement frame, serving as the striker for the clock's audible signal. The striking train incorporates a hammer mechanism designed to impact the bell.

Evidence for this section
  • “Tall Clock made by Thomas Harland (1735–1807)”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, specifically within the department of The American Wing. It is documented under the accession number 18.110.29. The acquisition was supported by the John Stewart Kennedy Fund in 1918.

Museum records categorize the object as a tall clock, attributing its creation to the maker Thomas Harland in Norwich, Connecticut, around 1775. The museum serves as the primary source for the data concerning the clock's physical characteristics, materials, and historical attribution.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 18.110.29.”
  • “Department: The American Wing. Credit line: John Stewart Kennedy Fund, 1918.”
  • “Made in Norwich, Connecticut, United States”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement bear an original maker's signature or stamp matching known Harland works?
  • Is there physical evidence on the dial or movement indicating an association between the case and the mechanism at the time of manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tall Clock by Thomas Harland
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThomas Harland (1735–1807)“Tall Clock made by Thomas Harland (1735–1807)”
Dateca. 1775“dated ca. 1775”
GeographyNorwich, Connecticut, United States“Made in Norwich, Connecticut, United States”
Dimensions93 3/4 x 21 1/8 x 10 1/2 in.“93 3/4 x 21 1/8 x 10 1/2 in. (238.1 x 53.7 x 26.7 cm)”
MaterialsMahogany, white pine“Mahogany, white pine”
Museum Number18.110.29“The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 18.110.29.”
DepartmentThe American Wing“Department: The American Wing.”

Visible details

  • Case constructed from mahogany and white pine
  • Striking train includes a bell mounted above the movement plates
  • Dial features ornate hour hand and chapter ring
  • Movement is a weight-driven design with brass plates

Research qualifications

  • The exact origin of the case versus the movement requires confirmation against horological references
  • The specific attribution to Thomas Harland should be verified against standard catalogued specimens

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

Consulted source

Tall Clock by Thomas Harland, American, ca. 1775

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 518c1fff6f

Terms in this record

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

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