Very Fine and Rare Federal Highly Inlaid and Figured Satinwood and Mahogany Tall Case Clock, works by Thomas Richards, case by John Banks, New York, circa 1800

Dial inscribed, T. Richards / New York.  Label on inside of case door inscribed JOHN BANKS / Cabinet Warehouse / No. 60 Beekman-street, / New-York. Retains a dark historic surface. Feet replaced.

Feet replaced; proper right finial plinth replaced; glass on bonnet probably replaced; secondary wood is poplar; retains two replaced cast iron weights; appears to retain original pendulum; appears to retain original finish.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This tall case clcok is a very rare survivor.  In this instance both the knowning both clock maker and the cabinetmaker are known.  The clockmaker Thomas Richards is listed by William H. Distin and Robert Bishop as working circa 1800 in The American Clock, (New York: E.P. Dutton & Co., Inc., 1976), p. 331.  Brooks Palmer dates his working dates to 1805 and notes that he gained authorization to sell Simon Willard lighthouse clocks on October 2, 1822 in The Book of American Clocks (New York: Macmillian Co., 1950), p. 266.  It appears that he began a partnership with the silversmith John Sayer in 1802 at 240 Pearl Street at the corner of Burling Slip (see Elegant Plate: Three Centuries of Precious Metals in New York City, Volumn II, ed. Deborah Dependahl Waters, (New York: Museum of the City of New York, 2000), p.385). A clock produce during this partnership is illustrated in American Antiques from Israel Sack Collection, Vol. VI (Washington, DC, Highland House Publishers, 1979), p. 1492, P4535.  Addtional information on Richards may be found in Peter Spellane, "Collectors' notes: Thomas Richards clockmaker," ed. Elanor H. Gustafson, The Magazine Antiques 162:4 (October 2002), 46.

The case was made by John Banks who is most know for a suite of furniture made for the Beekman family (see Laura Beach, "Bills of Sale Confirm Early Date of Beekman Family Furniture," The Antiques and the Arts Weekly, January 9, 2001, 78-D,E).  Other surviving labeled pieces by Banks are at Winterthur Museum, Winterthur, Delaware and Huguenot Historical Society, New Paltz, New York.