Original Antiq Westclock 3

Rare Highly Carved Korfhage Tallcase in Oak,

with Calendar Subsidiary Dial, c.1890-1900

Here is a spectacular example of the work of Charles Korfhage, whose workshop was located at 12 Dutch Street in New York City. We don't know a lot about Charles Korfhage, but we do know that he held multiple patents on clock movements. He sold the movement in this tallcase clock in his wholesale catalogue for $52. We were delighted to find this clock in Tran Duy Ly's Longcase Clocks and Standing Regulators book (1994).

Here's what Korfhage says in his catalogue:"The Superiority of my Improved Movements (his punctuation, not ours), which have stood the test of time, consists not merely in having Dead-beat Escapement, Maintaining Power, Full-toned Gongs and Fancy Dials, but in simplicity of construction which has been achieved by an experience of many years of practical work and by means of best machinery adopted to this work."My Movements are above comparison with any other make either American or European, in material, workmanship and general excellence of appearance, as all parts are highly-polished and finely-finished throughout, and are a wonderful advance over the 'Old Timers;' in fact the Movements when put in the Cases give the most handsome appearing and best time-keeping Clocks suitable for any appropriate location that can be made." (Whew... that guy believed in himself!)

Physical: As you can see, this case is the result of the craftsmanship of a master cabinetmaker in every detail. It is simply a spectacular piece, measuring 23"w x 97-98" tall (hard to tell without a ladder) x 17.5"d. The width measurement is at the widest place on base. The case was professionally restored by rubbing out, overcoating with shellac (as originally used), the rubbing out again. It is in excellent condition as is the original 12" dial with two different hand-painted scenes on the moon dial.

Mechanical (again from the actual original catalogue description):

"The Chime Gongs are made of the finest cold-rolled imported flat-steel wire, tuned and mounted on a brass stand, fitted in the case with my improved Sounding-Board which re-inforces the tone."The Pendulum is fitted with a double suspension spring (such as used on Fine Regulators) hung on pivots, and the Pendulum Bob is made of brass, finely finished and suspended on a seasoned wood rod.

"The Weights are of lead, covered with finely finished brass shells or Cylinders which can be removed when necessary."