SE Pennsylvania Tall Case Clock, John Wilbank Bell
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Description
Handsome early 19th C. southeast Pennsylvania inlaid walnut tall case clock, the bell marked: John Wilbank, Caster. In 1828, the City of Philadelphia commissioned John Wilbank (1788-1843) to cast a bell to replace the damaged Liberty Bell at Independence Hall. It was Wilbank who recognized the historical importance of the cracked Liberty bell, and, refusing to scrap it, eventually donated it to the city. He cast the 'new' 4000 lb. Liberty Bell, which still hangs at Independence Hall today, as well as other tower and clock bells. The base of the clock case is embellished with inlaid compass circle and quarter fans. The trunk has reeded quarter columns; the shaped case door displays highly figured grain. Bonnet pediment with dramatic scrolls. Condition is far from perfect. Missing finials on each side of the bonnet have been replaced by roughly carved substitutes. The numbers on the clock face have been crudely repainted. Carved bosses that would have embellished the bonnet scrolls are missing. There is a crack near one bracket foot. Still a very handsome clock with historic significance, worthy of restoration. Approx. 95" H x 20" W x 10 1/2" D
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SE Pennsylvania Tall Case Clock, John Wilbank Bell
Estimate $800 - $1,000
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Item located in Madison, VA, usSee Policy for Shipping
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