18th-Century Pennsylvania Walnut Tall Case Clock, Signed Isaac Thomas, Willistown

Chester County, Pennsylvania, circa 1760-1780, the arched brass face signed "Isaac Thomas. / WillisTown" in a round steel plaque, above the 11 3/4 in. steel dial in Roman and Arabic chapters, flanked by gilt scrollwork dolphin and foliate spandrels, with subsidiary dial and calendar aperture, operated by an unsigned eight-day weight driven two-train brass movement with suspension spring pendulum striking on an apical bell; carved walnut case, poplar secondary, featuring a dovetailed hood with strait molded cornice above a recessed arched niche, supported on (4) three-quarter baluster columns with fret carved scroll panel to the posterior, arched trunk door with molded perimeter with shaped brass hinges atop a rectangular base with cove and base moldings. Includes winding key, two weights and pendulum.

89 x 20 1/2 x 11 in.

By Direct Family Descent of Isaac Thomas, the Clockmaker, Willistown, Pennsylvania

Retaining printed account from 2020 by the family detailing provenance and ownership tracing back to the family's 4-Greats grandfather, Pennsylvania clockmaker, Isaac Thomas (1721-1802). Case interior with old ink inscribed paper label "George D. Miller / No. 313 N. 33rd St. / Philadelphia / Pa." George D. Miller (1839-1919) was a lumber and coal merchant, and Civil War Union Army Soldier. At the September 17, 1862 Battle of Antietam he was shot through the gut, and miraculously survived. He was eventually mustered out with his company on May 15, 1863. George was married to Ann Charlton (nee Thomas) Miller (1843-1947). Ann was the great granddaughter of the clockmaker, Issac Thomas.

Isaac Thomas (1721-1802) was an early Chester County, Pennsylvania tradesman, having the distinction of both clocksmith and "joyner," he is noted for making his own cabinets for tall movements with his name. His signature is also found on early gilt verge movements of the 18th century. Clocks by this maker are rare to come to market. For a previously sold example of a Chippendale case clock by Issac Thomas, please see Leland Little Auctions, Signature Spring Auction, 11 March 2023, Lot 158.

Front hood glass appears old, side glass elements are later; some restoration to hood interior panels; top of hood cut with square opening; retaining some later walnut foot facings; some light scratches to case; case base panels with age cracks; works with servicing label of clocksmith William Gibbons in Pennsylvania with record of service date in 1938, and later labels from Vilicich Watch & Clock in California. More recent service records kept from local clocksmith, Thomas Englund, 2009-2013. Please see Terms and Conditions of Sale: Clocks and Watches.

Schedule Preview