A George III Mahogany Pipe-Organ Tall Case Clock

William Vale, London, Mid 18th Century

the weight-driven pipe-organ operated by a 10-inch pin barrel and playing a selection of seven tunes: 100th. psalm for Sunday, Chalks Hornpipe, The Feathers, Regalia Minuet, Cassino, The Waterman, Jannissaries March.
Height 108 x width 23 x depth 12 inches.

This lot is located in Chicago.

Provenance:

Stedman/Powell Family

Christie's, London, Clocks, Watches and Barometers, April 5, 1995, Lot 121

Note:

Prior to the Moore's acquisition of the clock at Christie's in 1995, the tall case clock had been passed down through the Stedman family starting with James Stedman (1733-1809) who, according to family lore, "was visiting London and heard the clock playing. Taken with its sound he enquired and purchased it. He was told there were only three like it made". The presence of the other two examples are hitherto unknown making this a particularly rare and beautiful example.

The suspension wire that operates the bellows and pipe-organ detached from anchor-point on saddle and therefore cannot play without being reattached by a professional. The works appear intact and takes a wind, not tested for accuracy nor duration. The pipe-organ with two wood pipes detached but present and reattachable. The hood with replaced fabric on sides and two finials likely later. The case with a polished reddish-brown color throughout. Age split to base front panel. Additional images available upon request.

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Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Nick Coombs

Vice President, Senior Specialist, European Furniture & Decorative Arts

[email protected]312 280 1212

Nick Coombs is a senior specialist in the Furniture & Decorative Arts department and also the Coins, Medals & Banknotes department at Freeman's.
Prior to joining Freeman's in 2014, Mr. Coombs worked for PCGS Currency in Peoria, Illinois, where he was responsible for the grading and authentication of paper money. This enabled him to travel to dozens of coin and currency shows a year and develop a lifelong passion for numismatics. In addition to heading the Coins, Medals & Banknotes department at Freeman's, Mr. Coombs works closely with Furniture & Decorative Arts department and has directed auctions for philatelics, memorabilia, scientific instruments, and fountain pens. He received a BA in art history from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a master of letters in art and art world practice from the University of Glasgow.

Mountain Meadow: Property from the Collection of Betty and Gordon Moore, Woodside, California

A George III Mahogany Pipe-Organ Tall Case Clock

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