The Perfect Piece: French Eight-Day Tall Case Clock circa 1870

Doesn’t it remind you of the scene from The Nutcracker, when Herr Drosselmeier, cloaked in black and wearing an eye patch, enters the stage just as the grandfather clock has begun to chime? How many movies, plays, musicals, and ballets have we seen where a grandfather clock plays such an important role?

The tall case clock, known more commonly in the United States as the grandfather clock, is quite symbolic. In movies or plays it can symbolize the brevity of life or serve as a signal that time is running out. In The Nutcracker it plays the role of signaling an important moment in the ballet, as Herr Drosselmeier introduces his latest inventions. In a home or office, a tall case clock can also play an important role. Though it may not stand tall in the corner solely to remind you that time is ticking away, a tall case clock can act as an anchor in a beautiful formal dining room, or a plush office.

Tall case clocks come in many sizes and shapes. The clock pictured stands nearly 8 feet tall and is slender and curvy, while other tall case clocks may stand only 6 feet tall and be very square in stature. There are tall case clocks with painted faces, and tall case clocks with gilded faces. Clocks made of French pine are common, but clocks of chestnut are also common in France. In England, clocks of mahogany, oak, and English pine, can also be found.

This eight-day tall case clock is made of French pine. It is hand painted with a subtle and timeless floral motif that echoes the gilded floral ornamentation that surrounds the face of the clock. When the proper time is set and the pendulum has begun to swing, the tiny tinkling bell of the chime can be heard every hour. The quiet tic-toc of this grandfather clock is delicate and comforting.

Do you need something that is simple, rustic and casual, or a piece that is elegant, masculine, and bold? Tall case clocks come in styles to fit every room and are cast to play the leading role as the perfect piece.

For information regarding this piece and others like it, please e-mail Elizabeth at LizFortson@gmail.com.