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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tall clock

Tall clock by Tiffany & Co.

Partially verified

This tall clock is a horological object manufactured by the American firm Tiffany & Co., located in New York City. Attributed to the period circa 1882–1885, the piece is part of the collection held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession number 06.1206. The clock is constructed from mahogany, brass, and metal. The total dimensions of the object are recorded as 105 inches in height, 23.5 inches in width, and 13 inches in depth, corresponding to 266.7 by 59.7 by 33 centimeters. The design features a clock face with Roman numerals and an additional dial below the primary clock face, which contains calendar information including moon phases. The structure is characterized by its verticality, including a decorative domed top section and patterned wooden panels within the waist and base. It was a gift from Mary J. Kingsland to the museum in 1906.

The tall clock 06.1206, showing the dials, case construction, and decorative base.
The tall clock 06.1206, showing the dials, case construction, and decorative base. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Tall clock
Maker / attribution
Tiffany & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
06.1206
Source-reported date
ca. 1882–85
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 Design

The tall clock is manufactured from a combination of mahogany, brass, and metal, standing at a height of 105 inches. The external housing is crafted from mahogany, featuring patterned carvings on the mid-section and the base. The top of the case is capped with a distinctive, detailed domed element.

The dial arrangement consists of two primary features set within the upper portion of the case. The top dial displays Roman numerals for standard timekeeping, while the dial positioned directly beneath it provides astronomical or calendar functions, clearly showing graphical representations of lunar cycles.

Evidence for this section
  • “Mahogany, brass, metal”
  • “105 x 23 1/2 x 13 in. (266.7 x 59.7 x 33 cm)”

Identification and Provenance

This object is identified as a tall clock produced by Tiffany & Co. The company, based in New York, is noted for its range of luxury goods, including watches and clocks. This specific unit is recorded under the accession number 06.1206 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The clock entered the museum's collection as a gift from Mary J. Kingsland in 1906. It is currently categorized within the institution's American Wing. The production period for this horological piece is attributed to circa 1882–1885.

Evidence for this section
  • “Tall Clock by Tiffany & Co.”
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 06.1206”
  • “Gift of Mary J. Kingsland, 1906”

Documentation Status

The documentation for this clock is maintained by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The current information reflects the data provided by the museum's collection records. Research requirements indicate that this record specifically describes a single museum object, and further confirmation of broader type specifications would require verification against independent horological references.

No specific manufacturer's serial numbers or internal movement designations are provided in the available documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 06.1206”
  • “this record describes a single museum object”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific type of movement (e.g., eight-day, weight-driven) contained within this clock?
  • Are there any maker's marks or signatures visible on the dial or movement backplate beyond the Tiffany & Co. attribution?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tall clock by Tiffany & Co.
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerTiffany & Co.“Tiffany & Co”
Dateca. 1882–85“ca. 1882–85”
Dimensions105 x 23 1/2 x 13 in.“105 x 23 1/2 x 13 in. (266.7 x 59.7 x 33 cm)”
MaterialsMahogany, brass, metal“Mahogany, brass, metal”
Museum number06.1206“06.1206”
OriginNew York, New York, United States“Made in New York, New York, United States”
Accession sourceGift of Mary J. Kingsland, 1906“Gift of Mary J. Kingsland, 1906”

Visible details

  • The clock features a prominent, patterned domed top.
  • Two circular dials are visible: a primary clock face with Roman numerals and a secondary calendar dial with lunar indications.
  • The case exhibits intricate decorative wood carvings in the waist and base sections.

Research qualifications

  • The exact horological specifications of the movement are not detailed in the source.
  • The wider production type of this specific specimen has not been independently verified against external horological references.

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

Consulted source

Tall Clock by Tiffany & Co., American, ca. 1882–85

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 0a1fea4aab

Terms in this record

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

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