Jacob Gorgas Jr. was born in 1763 and died in 1828. He was the eldest of the three sons of Jacob Gorgas and followed in the family tradition of making clocks. In the fall of 2013 year we were fortunate to acquire a tall case clock by Jacob Gorgas Sr. at a local estate auction in Manheim, PA. One year later, this Jacob Gorgas Jr. clock appeared on the market and we were able to acquire it This clock is from the Lavan Family, Willow St, just South of Lancaster. It has been in the same family from day 1. It is complete, absolutely original and in a wonderful state of preservation. In addition to the provenance of being in the same family, in the same home in Lancaster Co., this clock is in a remarkable state of preservation. The first finish case is completely original including oustanding French feet. The construction is robust as you would expect in a Pennsylvania German craft and the case is Cherry with Walnut accent panel and door. The eight day brass striking movement is typical of work of Gorgas. Note the suspension bridge that suppports the pendulum. Even the original wood pulleys have survived without major damage. The glass in the bonnet door has undistrubed original putty that retains it in the frame and it has the unmistakeable look of wavy, first period glass. The dial is a wonderful example of the Federal period with raised gilt and gesso gilt bead decoration around the perimeter of the time track. The brass works are eight day duration and feature four hands off the center shaft with sweep calendar and sweep seconds.
Jacob Gorgas Jr. Lancaster County PA