John Fisher was born in Germany and immigrated to America with his parents in the 1750's. He was a master craftsman being highly skilled and proficient in cabinet making, clock making, decorative arts and painting (including dial painting). This example represents the Pennsylvania German "High Country Style" with incredible choice figured local Cherry contrasted with fabulous inlays and veneers including pinwheel rosettes, The feet are original. The locally painted American iron dial has been restored, but is clearly the work of Fisher and closely related to the example by George Fisher on Page 93 of Clockmakers of Lancaster County Pennsylvania by Wood and Kramer. We previously owned another related example by Fisher with an identical 4 handed sweep seconds eight day works mounted to an untouched original signed dial that is identical to this one. Photos of the previous John Fisher dial are included for comparative analysis: please refer to the last photo in the description along with the scan of the George Fisher dial at the end. The combination of Arabic and Roman Numerals on the time track is a period detail readily identifiable to John Fisher. This monumental example stands at 102" tall and is truly a remarkable work of the local Pennsylvania German craftsman. The flame finials are Antique, Period, and may in fact be original but to be safe, we are representing them as possible replacements. The weights, pendulum and winding key are all original. Note the American flag on the sailing ship in the moon scene as well as the gilt scalloped decorate in the arch and the combination of Arabic and Roman numerals in the time track. These are regional period details identifiable to Fisher. The case has double line inlay in the apron, base panel, waist door, and bonnet door. The chamfered columns that flank the waist have line inlay as well. There is a band of "herringbone" inlay in the frieze panel above the waist door. There is an exquisite inlaid oval floral medallion in the scroll board below the center plinth.
John Fisher York Town