Name/Title
Mantel ClockEntry/Object ID
2004.13.1Description
Mantel clock made primarily of mahogany veneer. Also incorporated in its construction is pine. The upper case has a carved shell and scroll pediment above the door. The door has a clear glazed on the upper panel, which rest over an églomisé lower panel. The painted clock face numbers are Roman numeral, and there is a mirrored panel where the moon dial should be. Flanking the upper door are fully turned columns. The upper case glass door is painted with an image of a cathedral. The lower case has a clear glazed door with a visible pendulum. The paper label affixed to the rear of the lower case reads in part, "Patent Wooden Eight Day Clock, Manufactured by Markham & Case, Columbia, SC." The front legs are sphere-turned while the back legs are tapered.Context
Contrary to the paper label adhered to the interior of the clock, many clocks of this period were imported from northern states like Massachusetts or Connecticut. In order to avoid tariffs, local companies in Columbia, such as Markham & Case, would import clock parts from the North and assemble the piece in the South, subsequently claiming the item was locally manufactured. These clocks commonly had ornate carvings on the top and églomisé scenes of recognizable landmarks. This particular clock, likely assembled in the 1830s, includes an églomisé scene featuring a church or cathedral on the upper glass door. While not confirmed, this building does share characteristics of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia, SC.Made/Created
Manufacturer
Markham and CaseDate made
circa 1830Place
City
Columbia, South CarolinaNotes
Manufactured by "Markham & Case", Columbia, SC c. 1830.Dimensions
Height
38 inWidth
17-3/8 inDepth
5-1/2 inMaterial
Wood, Metal, PaintRelationships
Related Places
Place
Location
Trinity Episcopal CathedralCity
Columbia, South Carolina
