Tallcase Clock
John Eberman, Jr.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
John Eberman, Jr. (1749-1835) worked in Lancaster on North Queen Street from 1772-1807. He succeeded George Hoff Sr. as the Keeper of the Courthouse Clock and was commissioned in 1784 to make a new tower clock for the courthouse after the original burnt down. He is well known for his many 30 hour and 8 day tallcase clocks similar to the one shown.
This particular 30 hour movement is typical of Eberman's work. While made in the English tradition, the movement includes a repeat-on-demand rack and snail strike and a foil ratchet wheel which are peculiar to Pennsylvania 30-hour brass movements. The flat top, walnut case is in the Chippendale style with ogee feet, quarter columns and an arched pendulum door. The painted dial is signed by John Eberman.
Donated by Margaret Oberlin, NAWCC #15033, and Ruth Oberlin
81.47.1