Effingham Embree, New York

Effingham Embree was born in 1759 in New York City and died in 1817.   He was at work as a watch & clock maker in partnership with Thomas Pearsall as early as 1781.   The firm of Pearsall & Embree carried out an extensive trade with London and they offered an array of early fusee watches, bracket clocks, and tall case clocks using material sourced from England.    By 1789 Embree was on his own and produced some of the finest high style inlaid tall case clocks made in America.    An example of his work currently resides in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House.    Some of his best clocks are housed in fabulous eagle inlaid cases with rich grain mahogany facings highlighted with quarter fan inlaid accents.    The clock that we are currently offering for sale is a known, documented example that was first discovered in the 1930’s and it is pictured in November 28th, 1935 edition of the “The American Collector” on page 13.   In the Spring of 2010 it surfaced at public auction at Skinner Inc., Boston MA where it realized $ 38,500 on that day.

The pagoda top bonnet with star and eagle inlay above an inlaid center plinth.   Flanking the glazed tombstone door are free standing reeded columns retained by brass capitals.   The waist section with inlaid frieze above a shaped waist door with line and quarter fan inlays flanked by reeded quarter columns.   The base with quarter fan inlay above a step molding all resting on bracket feet.

Eight day brass striking movement coupled to an Osborne painted iron dial with strike silent, seconds bit, and calendar.    The dial retains the original signature and location: “Effingham Embree, New York.”  The works are powered by a pair of original lead filled brass shell weights.    Overall, the clock stands at 101 1/2.”    The finials are original and both case locks have keys and are functional.   An original winder comes with the clock as well.     A great piece of Americana !