Tall Case Clock

This monumental clock was produced by Irish immigrant clockmaker, Laurence Birnie, and an unknown cabinetmaker in Philadelphia. Its white dial is an early example of the type that came into popularity near the end of the 18th century. Made of enameled sheet iron and either imported from England or purchased from a handful of American specialists, primarily in Boston or Philadelphia, white dials were often painted in the corners with delicate flowers. The painted dial in this arch revolves to depict the phase of the moon and lunar calendar.

Broken scroll pedimented furniture with carved rosettes and pierced fret between the scrolls was popular in Philadelphia during the mid to late 18th century. Inspired in form by British case work, the Philadelphia craftsmen often augmented the basic case with exceptional foliate rococo carving and blind geometric frets as seen on this example.

Pennsylvania Packet (March 20, 1775), p. 3
"LAURENCE BIRNIE,/ WATCH and CLOCK MAKER, from Ireland, who for some time past has carried on said business at Mrs. Fearis's, in Arch-street, …he has removed to Second street...where he intends making and repairing all sorts of repeating, horizontal and plain watches; likewise eight-day, spring, chime and repeating clocks."
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