Antique Wooden Clock Face with Roman Numerals

Description

A rare and charming example of early American or European hand-painted wooden clock dial, believed to date from the late 18th to early 19th century. The square wooden backboard retains its original cream-painted surface decorated with hand-painted Roman numerals in a crisp black, complemented by beautifully rendered raised and gilded corner spandrels featuring floral and star motifs — a hallmark of period craftsmanship. The center boss retains traces of original gilding and is adorned with a delicate painted laurel or wheat wreath motif, reflecting the refined decorative vocabulary of the Federal or Georgian era. Two winding arbor holes at the lower portion of the dial confirm this served a weight-driven longcase or tall clock movement. A hanging loop at the top suggests it has been displayed as folk art in more recent times. This dial represents a wonderful piece of horological and decorative arts history, equally at home in a collection of antique clocks, American folk art, or period interiors. An opportunity for the serious collector to own an authentic surviving example of hand-crafted painted clockmaking tradition.

Dimensions

W 9" × H 9"