A fine and rare Chippendale walnut tall case clock, David Rittenhouse (1732-1796), Norriton Township, Montgomery County, PA, circa 1765

The composite dial engraved, "David Rittenhouse Norriton," painted moon phase mechanism, with weights, pendulum.

H: 87 in. W: 18 ¼ in. D: 11 ¼ in.

Provenance

Collection of a South Carolina gentleman.

Literature

See Donald L. Fennimore and Frank L. Hohmann III, David Rittenhouse: Philosopher-Mechanick of Colonial Philadelphia and His Famous Clocks (2023). This clock's face and works are illustrated and discussed, pg. 122 and 124; Figure: 5.26- dial; Figure 5.31- front plate with wheelwork; and Figure 5.32- back of dial.

Footnotes

It has been suggested by scholars that this tall case clock is one of only eight authentic Rittenhouse clocks in private hands.

Lot 23: Retains winder, case key, weights and a pendulum. Pendulum not functional- in several pieces The case, later than face and works, retains original hardware, the feet appear to be original though have lost some height, one glue block missing, the base board is cracked and missing segment, the hood missing a superstructure. The seat board has numerous drilled holes- none match those on the the case cheeks or wedges. The seat board extends beyond the edge of the cheeks/ wedges by about ½ in. on both sides; as with all mechanical objects, Freeman's does not guarantee functionality for clocks