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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tall clock

Tall Clock by Thomas Seymour

Partially verified

This tall clock, currently held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession number 1998.12, is an American horological piece manufactured between 1805 and 1810. The case is attributed to the cabinetmaker Thomas Seymour (1771–1848) and originates from Boston, Massachusetts. The construction of the clock incorporates a variety of woods, specifically mahogany and mahogany veneer, alongside maple and white pine elements. The piece stands at approximately 111 3/4 inches in height, with a width of 21 1/4 inches and a depth of 9 3/4 inches. The clock features a dial with Roman numerals, housed within a hood topped with finials. The Metropolitan Museum of Art acquired the object through a purchase funded by the Anthony W. and Lulu C. Wang Gift in 1998.

Full view of the tall clock, showing the mahogany case, hood with finials, and dial.
Full view of the tall clock, showing the mahogany case, hood with finials, and dial. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Purchase, Anthony W. and Lulu C. Wang Gift, 1998. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Tall clock
Maker / attribution
Thomas Seymour
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1998.12
Source-reported date
1805–10
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

Construction and Materials

The tall clock is constructed from a combination of American woods. These surfaces are accented with maple and white pine, which are utilized for structural or decorative elements of the frame.

The physical dimensions of the timepiece are notable, standing over nine feet tall. The use of mahogany veneer suggests an emphasis on aesthetic surface finish.

Evidence for this section
  • “Mahogany, mahogany veneer, maple with white pine”
  • “111 3/4 x 21 1/4 x 9 3/4 in. (283.8 x 54 x 24.8 cm)”

Attribution and Origin

The case of this tall clock is attributed to Thomas Seymour, a prominent cabinetmaker active in Boston, Massachusetts, during the early 19th century. The attribution relates to his known output between 1805 and 1810. The geographical origin is identified as New England.

The piece remains in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified as a tall clock. The object's association with Seymour is based on museum records regarding its manufacture in the United States.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case attributed to Thomas Seymour (1771–1848)”
  • “Made in New England, Boston, Massachusetts, United States”

Provenance and Documentation

The clock was acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1998. The purchase was made possible through the Anthony W. and Lulu C. Wang Gift. The institution maintains the object under the permanent accession number 1998.12.

The records for this object specify the materials, dimensions, and the maker attribution. The museum notes that these details are those of the specific specimen in their collection, without making broader claims about the classification of the wider clock type.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 1998.12”
  • “Purchase, Anthony W. and Lulu C. Wang Gift, 1998”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the movement maker inside the Seymour case?
  • Are there any specific workshop marks or labels present on the interior of the case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tall Clock by Thomas Seymour
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThomas Seymour“Case attributed to Thomas Seymour (1771–1848)”
Date1805–10“1805–10”
MaterialsMahogany, mahogany veneer, maple, white pine“Mahogany, mahogany veneer, maple with white pine”
Dimensions111 3/4 x 21 1/4 x 9 3/4 in.“111 3/4 x 21 1/4 x 9 3/4 in. (283.8 x 54 x 24.8 cm)”
GeographyBoston, Massachusetts“Made in New England, Boston, Massachusetts, United States”
Accession Number1998.12“1998.12”
Acquisition CreditPurchase, Anthony W. and Lulu C. Wang Gift, 1998“Purchase, Anthony W. and Lulu C. Wang Gift, 1998”

Visible details

  • Case features contrasting wood veneers and inlays
  • Hood is surmounted by three decorative finials
  • Dial includes roman numerals and an arched painted moon phase or decorative panel
  • Base features bracket feet and veneered panels

Research qualifications

  • Case attribution to Thomas Seymour is not absolute
  • Wider provenance details prior to 1998 acquisition remain unverified

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

Consulted source

Tall Clock, Thomas Seymour, 1805–10

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 535489adeb

Terms in this record

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

Other tall clock records