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Wilmington, Delaware Tall Case Clock by Jacob Alrich

Creator: Jacob Alrich
Offered by: Kelly Kinzle Antiques

Description
Signed: Jacob Alrich (1775-1857)
8-day movement with moon dial.
Case attributed to John Erwin (1727-1797) or James Erwin (w. 1797-1799)
Circa 1795
Mahogany, poplar
H: 92”; W: 21”; D: 9”

Jacob Alrichs (1775–1857), machinist and clockmaker, was a resident of Wilmington, Delaware, who learned the watchmaking business from his uncle Jonas Alrichs. After the latter’s death in 1802, Alrichs took over the family jewelry concern and began a machine business in a short-lived partnership with Samuel McClary. By 1810 Alrichs formed a partnership with machinist Isaac Dixon that manufactured cotton machines under the name of Alrichs & Dixon. In 1820 one of Alrichs’s firms supplied the Wilmington fire department with its first engine. He was active in Wilmington’s civic life, serving as a director of the Spring Water Company (1803), assistant burgess (1805), city councillor (1810–23), director of the Bank of Wilmington and Brandywine (1815), and state senator (1830). Alrichs was a member of the Abolition Society of Delaware, attended a national antislavery conference in Philadelphia in 1806, and belonged to the African School Society. In 1841 he was appointed deputy postmaster at Wilmington, and four years later he patented a door latch. He was buried in the Friends Burial Grounds in Wilmington.

Nice example from a rare maker.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Period:	18th Century
Creation Date:	1795
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	640171

Dimensions

W.	21 in;	H.	92 in;	D.	9 in;
W.	53.34 cm;	H.	233.68 cm;	D.	22.86 cm;

Message from Seller:

Kelly Kinzle Antiques, located in the historic town square of New Oxford, PA, specializes in rare and exceptional objects, including tall case clocks, firearms, Pennsylvania decorative arts, and firefighting memorabilia. With a reputation for handling unique items, Kelly has worked with prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian and Colonial Williamsburg—contact him at 717.495.3395 or via email at info@kellykinzleantiques.com.