$29,520
James Doull Tall Clock with Rocking Ship Automaton, Case Attributed to Thomas Seymour, Charlestown, Massachusetts, c. 1795, mahogany case with pierced fret top, inlaid plinths, and three brass finials, brass stop-fluted freestanding columns flanking the glazed hood door over the painted iron dial signed James Doull, Charlestown. , floral spandrels, delicate heart-shaped hands and concave arch with rocking ship and a shore battlement both flying the American flag, banded inlaid rectangular waist flanked by brass stop-fluted quarter-columns, the figured mahogany veneered base with light banding and line inlays all on high ogee feet, brass eight-day time and hour strike movement with two period cast iron weights, ht. 92 in. Note: From the numerous examples of clock cases attributed to Seymour in Robert Mussey, Jr., Masterworks of John and Thomas Seymour , it is clear that "Seymour" cases generally have French feet. The present example with a high, angled ogee foot seems to be a variation of the form. The choice of figured mahogany veneer, bright banding, complicated inlays on the plinths and efficient use of lumber further point to the Seymour attribution. For more information please see Robert Mussey, Jr., pp. 55-56, 418-433.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2016-04-29
