TALL CASE CLOCK
London, circa 1785–1790
Mahogany solids and veneers; oak and deal
H. 101", H. without finials 95 1/4",
W. 20 1/4", D. 9 3/4"
Retailed by John Munro, Charleston, South Carolina
Courtesy of Estate Antiques, Inc.
Relatively little is known of John Munro (1758–1810). According to period documentation, he was originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, and arrived in Charleston, South Carolina, by way of London, where he apparently trained or worked for some time. A silversmith and clockmaker, Munro opened a shop in Charleston in 1785, then called Charlestown, as on the dial. He soon began forming partnerships, with variable degrees of success.
This exuberant London case displays exquisite mahogany veneers and cast-brass decoration. The entire clock remains in excellent condition, even retaining the original finials. The clock was acquired directly from descendents of the original owners, and its provenance is currently being researched. Only one other clock associated with Munro is known.
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