The Carved Top

The clock is surmounted by one of the most fantastically carved scenes to appear on a clock.  Father-Time with his scythe is accompanied by a Putto bearing the sands of time.  These figures are then surrounded by beautifully carved foliage.  The figures are a mixture of two-dimensional and three-dimensional work.  It has been suggested that they were probably carved in the workshop of Herter Brothers of New York City. 

In actuality the top is made up of four separate pieces.  Father-Time is one, the Putto another, and two pieces of foliage that decorate the sides of the top.  They fit together with wooden pins in a way that makes them impossible to remove as a group.  They can only be removed if the correct side piece is removed first.  Quite an amazing system.  Enjoy the Pics!

Father Time with his flowing beard                                         The Putto holding the sands of time

A detail of the hour-glass.  It is fully carved and removable.                                       Father-Time's Scythe.

The Legs of the pair showing the foliage and a hint of the great old original finish!

The pair together, keeping watch!