Adam Brant, New Hanover

Adam Brant purchased a farm in New Hanover, Montgomery County PA in 1763 along the Great Road from Philadelphia to Reading.   The deed for that property notes that Brant is a clock & watchmaker.   He was a highly skilled clockmaker and was a maker of both 30-hr and 8 day clocks.   At the time of his death in 1804, the inventory of his estate included several of each type along with 3 sets of clockmaking tools.  Our clock that we are offering for purchase is a  High Style Walnut Chippendale Tall Clock made in New Hanover, Montgomery County,  PA.   This exceptional 18th Century American Tall Case Clock is the work of the master Pennsylvania Clockmaker Adam Brant.   The bold bonnet with carved scroll moldings terminating in turned rosettes centering on an urn and spire turned finial.  The astragal arched door flanked by block and turned stretchers opening to an early composite brass dial with applied spandrels, chapter ring, seconds register, name boss, and calendar aperture.   Of particular interest are the cast “four seasons” spandrels that surround the dial which is an identifiable period detail found in clocks by Brant.  The waisted case with tombstone shaped waist door flanked by turned quarter columns.   The waist door opens with a working door lock and original cast brass strap hinges.   On the inside of the door are numerous inscriptions, repair labels and a hand written family history of the clock.  The case with rose head nail and peg construction along with beautiful hand cut dove tail joints.   The base with crotch grain, figured walnut raised panel continues to bold French feet.  The clock stands at 94 inches tall, and is 11 inches deep.  The waist measures 14 inches and the width of the base is 19 inches.

The eight day brass striking movement is an excellent example of local American craftsmanship.   It is powered by a pair of original cast lead weights.  The clock counts the hours on a cast iron bell and is regulated by its original  pendulum rod.

SOLD