Lot 270: Tall Clock w/Case attrib. Horner, Black Forest Movement

Oak tall case clock attributed to R.J. Horner of NY or Tobey Furniture Co. of Chicago, with Peerless movement made in the Black Forest region of Germany, circa 1900. Elaborately carved case and hood, the arched hood with carved foliate pediment featuring a grotesque mask, flanked by two finials, with gadroon and egg-and-dart molding and carved lion masks on the lower corners. The hood door is flanked by two figural carved columns in the form of musicians, one playing the bagpipe, and the other playing a horn. The waist features a pierced scrolling foliate door with carved mask, flanked by pilasters topped with putti heads, and the base has carved pilasters topped with lion masks and a carved central panel depicting a tavern scene, all resting on bun feet. Engraved brass face, enameled moon phase dial, raised Arabic numeral chapter ring, pierced hands, and secondary seconds dial. Two weight movement, with 5 striking coiled gongs; marked PEERLESS/MADE IN GERMANY/60363/A1/2. 102″ H x 24″ W x 17 3/4″ D.

Note: Peerless works were made by the Bauerle firm in Schwarzwald in the Black Forest region of Germany and were known for their high quality. Cases very similar to this one have long been attributed to the American firm R.J. Horner, however, a nearly identical clock reproduced from the catalog of the Tobey Furniture Co. of Chicago and referred to as a “Flemish” clock is illustrated in Longcase Clocks and Standing Regulators, Part I, Machine Made Clocks by Tran Duy Ly, p. 422, fig. 979.

PROVENANCE: The collection of a Tennessee institution.

CONDITION: Case in overall good condition with light scattered wear. Saddle board replaced. Retains the winding key, pendulum, and weights. Not tested for functionality.