Tall case clock

[Robert LaPlaca]

This is a reproduction of a tall case clock built by John Townsend in 1789, the original clock resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This is one of the very few tall case clocks actually signed by John Townsend. Evidently, John Townsend only signed and dated his finest work. The clock is constructed from South American Mahogany, the secondary wood is Tulip Poplar. The 18th century movement was built by David Lindow, engraving of the brass dial was done by Valdemar Skov.

I used Trimble SketchUp Pro to model the clock, using photo's available from the Met and photo's I personally took of the original clock while visiting the Met. It’s absolutely amazing just how fantastically talented 18th century furniture makers like John Townsend were.
Dimensions of the clock: 11 1/8" (d) x 22 (w) x 98 1/4" (h)

The clock was pretty challenging build.. Hope you enjoy the photos

 

[dancam]

Absolutely beautiful.

 

[Graywolf]

Awesome stuff. I love it.

 

[David Turner]

Robert: That is a stunning clock.

 

[bob vaughan]

Wow!
There's just so much there that show the attention to detail and the skill and patience to execute it perfectly.

 

[Rwe2156]

You got game, brother!

 

[Robert LaPlaca]

@bob vaughan, those details on that clock pretty much kicked my azz, it’s just shows how super talented 18th century woodworker like John Townsend was.

 

[drw]

Robert, your craftsmanship is stunningly beautiful!! Since I plan to build another clock in the not too distant future, your post is of great interest. This may sound like a strange question but is there a specific reason you sourced the movement/dial from David Lindow?

 

[Craptastic]

Stunning. Simply stunning.

Well done!

 

[McRabbet]

Stunning work!

 

[Hjanes]

Certainly a milestone, Robert. Big congratulations. Lots of "wow".

 

[Robert LaPlaca]

@drw, the state of tall case clock movements is pretty bad, one needs to source a 18th century style movement, the reason being is the width of the case is pretty narrow.

Green Lake Clock, used to import a 18th century style German movement from Kittenger, Kittenger no longer produces this movement. Add, to the mix an engraved brass face, one is left with either David Lindow or sourcing an orphaned 18th century movement that needs a complete overhaul. David Lindow builds heirloom quality movements, he is extremely hard to get bandwidth with.

Hope this helps.

 

[JNCarr]

Wow! What a beautiful piece of fine furniture! Congrats on a jaw dropping project.

 

[Charlie Buchanan]

Looks great. Congratulations on the job.

 

[creasman]

Very nice work! You've definitely created a family heirloom.

 

[ssmith]

Awesome work! Your level of craftsmanship is incredible.

 

[Canuck]

Incredible work!!

 

[Phil S]

Exemplary craftsmanship

 

[mdbuntyn]

Job's a good'un

 

[Trey1984]

This is a reproduction of a tall case clock built by John Townsend in 1789, the original clock resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This is one of the very few tall case clocks actually signed by John Townsend. Evidently, John Townsend only signed and dated his finest work. The clock is constructed from South American Mahogany, the secondary wood is Tulip Poplar. The 18th century movement was built by David Lindow, engraving of the brass dial was done by Valdemar Skov.

I used Trimble SketchUp Pro to model the clock, using photo's available from the Met and photo's I personally took of the original clock while visiting the Met. It’s absolutely amazing just how fantastically talented 18th century furniture makers like John Townsend were.
Dimensions of the clock: 11 1/8" (d) x 22 (w) x 98 1/4" (h)

The clock was pretty challenging build.. Hope you enjoy the photos

Beautiful!!!! Amazing work!!!