Very Fine Benjamin Witman Chippendale Walnut Tall Case Clock. Reading, Pennsylvania, circa 1795. Broken arch pediment with carved foliate urn central finial flanked by reverse tassel carved finials, arched top side lights with turned column supports. Double ogee-molded upper and lower waist moldings, scrolled top lip-molded pendulum door flanked by fluted quarter columns, with beaded back, fabulous shell-carved raised turtle panel, flanked by fluted quarter columns, molded base having ogee bracket feet with spurs. 8-day movement with moon phase having a courting scene and American spreadwing eagle and shield. Illuminated dial with floral and foliate painted spandrels, Roman numerals with sweep second hand and date dial. Marked on back of dial "Made in Reading 1795". This clock case has an amazing attention to detail in its fine craftsmanship. Pictured in "Berks County Tall-Case Clocks 1750 to 1850", by Richard and Rosemarie Machmer, #29. 97"h. Condition: Very fine with minor wear and small age cracks on base panel.
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