A Fine Pennsylvania Chippendale Walnut Tall Case Clock, Signed Samuel Breneisen

Lot Details & Additional Photographs

Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, circa 1805, hand-painted and gilt arched metal dial signed "Samuel Breneisen / Reading" centering a well-painted bird on rose branch, within paterae spandrels, beneath a pictorial moonphase dial, the dial reverse and falseplate stamped "E. OWEN BIRM'M" and "OWEN" respectively for Birmingham maker and supplier Edward Owen, dual weight driven 8-days brass movement striking on an apical bell, set within a carved walnut case, yellow pine secondary, dovetailed hood with swan neck pediment with carved floral rosettes facing a central spreading plinth and finial, and four reeded plinths presenting turned baluster spire finials at the corners, above an arched cornice supporting four fully turned and well-tapered columns, with hinged glass front dial door, above a cove molded trunk with fluted corner columns, hinged raised panel pendulum door with carved patera arch, above a stepped panel base with matching fluted corner columns raised on carved ogee bracket feet. Includes two weights and suspension spring pendulum, case key and winding key.

99 1/2 x 21 1/4 x 13 1/2 in.

Private Collection, Richmond, Virginia

Pennsylvania native and clocksmith, Samuel Breneisen Sr., was born on February 18th, 1772 in Adamstown, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania to parents John Valentine Brenneisen II and Salome Hermenne. A successful Federal period clockmaker Samuel Sr. utilized an eight day movement with well painted dials often featuring stylized paterae spandrels, and well-made cases in walnut or cherry. He operated shops in Adamstown as well as in Reading, Berks County. He married Susanna Barbara Swartz on February 18th, 1799 in Reading, and appears in the local tax records throughout the 1790s and into the early 1800s. Samuel and Susanna were the parents of at least seven sons and six daughters. Two sons were trained as clockmakers: George (1803-1863) and Samuel Jr. (1800-1857). Samuel lived in Cocalico, West Cocalico Township, Lancaster County in 1820, and passed on October 8th, 1837, in East Cocalico Township, Lancaster County at the age of 65. He was buried in Reamstown, East Cocalico Township.

Areas of paint loss and flaking to the moon dial, some expected crazing to dial ground; right front foot with area of loss; case with a few old surface nicks; left hood glass missing, other two glass windows are old, the front with some losses to the glazing. Please see Terms and Conditions of Sale: Clocks and Watches.