This is a very fine walnut case tall clock made by Thomas Crow of Wilmington, Delaware. This clock was made circa 1790.

Thomas Crow was the son of George Crow who was also a Wilmington, Delaware clockmaker. Thomas appears to have been involved in clockmaking as early as 1770. He becomes one of Delaware's most prolific and best known clockmakers. He is recorded to have serve the public in several local government positions. In 1805, he moves through Philadelphia and later to West Chester, Pennsylvania during the period 1808 to 1810. One can find examples of his work in the collections of Winterthur Museum and the Briggs Museum of Art.

This well proportioned example appears to be housed in a case that was constructed by John Janvier Sr. Similar cases have been found that contain the Delaware Casemaker’s label. In fact, a very similar case is in the Winterthur collection.

This case stands on boldly formed ogee bracket feet. Please note that the toe of the foot flares out further than the knee. The base is fitted with and applied panel. This panel shares the form found on other Janvier made cases. The waist section is quite long which accentuates the proportions. It is fitted with a nicely shaped waist door. The waist door is trimmed with a molded edge. The corners of the waist display fluted quarter columns that terminate in ring turned quarter capitals. The bonnet is a swan’s neck design that is applied to a cornice molding. The arches terminate in wonderfully carved wooden rosettes. A single turned and carved flame wooden finial is supported by a wooden plinth that is centered between the arches. Fully turned bonnet columns flank the arched glazed door. This door is fitted with glass and opens to a painted iron dial.

The dial appears to have been painted locally. It is fitted directly to the movement with out the use of a false plate. In the arch is a lunar calendar or moonphase mechanism. This dial is signed by the clockmaker in the arch. The signature reads, “Thomas Crow. Wilmington.” Below the center arbor, it is inscribed in large block lettering, “MADE FOR JAMES THOMAS.” The spandrel areas are paint decorated in a simple gilt design. The dial displays the hours with Roman numerals. The five minute markers are an Arabic form This is also true of the subsidiary seconds dial and the calendar date. This dial is in excellent condition.

The movement is constructed in brass. It is weight powered and designed to run eight days on a full wind. It will also strike each hour on the hour on a cast iron bell that is mounted above the movement. It is good quality.

This clock stands and impressive 8 feet 7 inches tall.