This is a beautiful figured mahogany case tall clock that exhibits a number of the latest New York furniture forms of the period. The exceptional woods used in the construction of this case and the fine quality of the craftsmanship are first rate.

This case stands on carved paw feet which are applied to the bottom of the base. They unusual and are original to this clock. Interestingly, we have recently owned a number of other examples that share this unusual design. The base panel is constructed with a cross banded mahogany boarder. This frames a wonderful crotch veneer that is formatted as an inset panel. The waist section is long and narrow. This is fitted with a cross banded waist door. This allows one access to the weights and pendulum. The sides of the case feature canted corners that are veneered with mahogany in a horizontal format. The bonnet is a swan’s neck pediment form. The arched pediment terminates in carved rosettes. These are nicely detailed. They help center the carved wooden finial. This finial design features an urn and a flame. The upper pediment is supported by fully turned columns which are positioned on either side of the arched bonnet door. The door is glazed and opens to a colorfully painted iron dial. The dial was painted by an American dial painting firm which was most likely located in Philadelphia. This dial is not signed by the Maker. This dial features large colorful seashells in each of the four spandrel areas. The arch is fitted with a lunar calendar or moon phase mechanism. The time ring is formatted with large Arabic numerals. The time & strike movement is constructed in brass and designed to run eight-days an on a full wind. It is good quality. This clock is signed by the Maker on the lifting arm located in the strike train. “E. Reeves” is die stamped into the front surface. This clock was made circa 1825 stands approximately 8 feet 4 inches tall.

Elijah Reeves is a listed as a Clockmaker in several references. Sonya L. & Thomas J. Spitler and Chris H. Bailey list him in their book, “American Clocks Volume 3. Here his working dates listed as 1810 through 1830. A more complete listing can be found in James Biser Whisker’s book, “Pennsylvania Clockmakers and Watchers.” Here Reeves is said to have received his training as a clockmaker from a John Murphy in Williamsport. By 1813 Reeves has opened his own shop in Williamsport and worked there for approximately ten years. He moves to Bellefont and advertises in the local paper that he has moved next to the Patriot J. F. Meginnes. He remains here for some thirteen years and then presumably moves away.