A 19th century American longcase clock, 31cm square brass di...

Hammer

£1,600

A 19th century American longcase clock, 31cm square brass dial inscribed H.J. Pepper, Philadelphia, silvered chapter ring with Roman and Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds dial, twin winding holes, eight day movement striking on a bell, the imposing walnut case with egg-and-dart cornice above a long rectangular door to waist, profusely carved with shells, leafy scrolls, lunettes and strapwork, flanked by bold male and idiot herms, 260cm high The maker, although working in a style a century out of date in British terms, was born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1789 and served an apprenticeship as a clockmaker 1803-1810 before working with a Washington goldsmith. He later set up as a clockmaker and silversmith at Wilmington in 1826, moving to Philadelphia, Pa., where he died in 1853.