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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Wall clock

Wall clock with calendar

Partially verified

This wall clock with a calendar function is preserved in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (accession number 1988.181). Attributed to the British maker Thomas Harben II (1739–1803) and dated to approximately 1775, the timepiece features a highly decorative, sculptural presentation. The case is constructed from carved and gilded oak, exhibiting an elaborate, ornate surround that extends into a prominent bird figure at the crest. The dial is made of brass and features Roman numerals for the hours. Measuring 33 by 20 by 8 inches (83.8 by 50.8 by 20.3 cm), the object is classified by the museum under their European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department. , framing the circular clock face centrally within the gilded frame.

Front view of the wall clock with calendar in its carved and gilded oak case.
Front view of the wall clock with calendar in its carved and gilded oak case. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Wall clock
Maker / attribution
Thomas Harben II
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1988.181
Source-reported date
ca. 1775
Source-reported place
British

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 within a case formed of carved and gilded oak.

At the summit of the clock case sits a prominent carved bird, which serves as the visual anchor for the composition. The entire assembly is finished in gilding, which enhances the depth and texture of the carved foliage elements that radiate from the central circular dial.

The overall dimensions of the object are significant, measuring approximately 33 inches in height. This scale allows for the detailed execution of the avian and floral motifs, which characterize the visual presentation of the timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: carved and gilded oak”
  • “Subject tags assigned by the museum: Birds.”
  • “Overall: 33 × 20 × 8 in. (83.8 × 50.8 × 20.3 cm)”

Dial and Timekeeping

The timepiece features a circular brass dial. The hour markers are engraved as Roman numerals around the perimeter of the chapter ring. Central to the dial are the hands, which are positioned to indicate time.

While identified as a wall clock with calendar functionality, the specific mechanical implementation of the calendar date remains internally housed and not visible from the exterior view. The brass surface of the dial provides a tonal contrast to the gilded oak frame, and the numerals are clear and legible against the brass plate.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: brass”

Provenance and Documentation

This object is held within the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It is identified by the museum accession number 1988.181 and falls under the purview of the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department.

The attribution to Thomas Harben II and the dating of circa 1775 are documented by the museum's internal records. These details establish the object's formal status as a museum-held timepiece, allowing for ongoing study and historical preservation within the institution's decorative arts collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “Wall clock with calendar in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (accession 1988.181), catalogued by the museum's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department.”
  • “attributed to Thomas Harben II”

Open research questions

  • What specific type of calendar mechanism is employed behind the brass dial?
  • Are there documented examples of other clocks by Thomas Harben II utilizing similar carved bird motifs?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Wall clock with calendar
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThomas Harben II“attributed to Thomas Harben II”
Dateca. 1775“ca. 1775”
Dimensions33 × 20 × 8 in. (83.8 × 50.8 × 20.3 cm)“Overall: 33 × 20 × 8 in. (83.8 × 50.8 × 20.3 cm)”
MaterialCarved and gilded oak, brass“Case: carved and gilded oak; Dial: brass”
Museum Accession1988.181“1988.181”
Subject TagsBirds“Subject tags assigned by the museum: Birds.”

Visible details

  • Carved and gilded oak frame featuring an avian motif at the top
  • Brass dial with Roman numeral hour markers
  • Circular clock face integrated into an elaborate asymmetrical scrolling surround

Research qualifications

  • Attribution to Thomas Harben II is not verified by a signed movement interior in the provided source
  • The specific mechanical function of the calendar mechanism is not documented or visible in the provided photograph

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

Consulted source

Wall clock with calendar, ca. 1775

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 2845119e93

Terms in this record

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

Other wall clock records