One of the most popular small timepieces of the 29th century was the Connecticut cottage clock, which graced the mantles and tables of homes throughout the country.  It was made by several manufacturers and featured a door with different scenes painted on the glass.  In working out a design for a small table or mantle clock, I wanted to capture the form of the cottage block but with design elements to capture the beautiful solid wood I wished to use in each clock.  So, as I gave this timepiece a new beginning, I called it the Phoenix Cottage Clock.

Although small, this timepiece features a number of hand-cut traditional joints, but in a much more contemporary context.  The through mortise with wedged tenon on the top is gracefully executed, yet serves the function securely joining the two sides to the top.  Each of the doors is constructed with ebony spline joints cut through the door stiles and rails.  One of the ebony splines acts as the full for the door aw well.  The case is made of solid domestic hardwood in species of curly or bird’s-eye maple, cherry, walnut, quartersawn white oak and butternut.

The movement is by Franz Hermle & Sons of Gosheim, Germany.  It is an 8-day spring wound movement with pendulum, with a gong strike on the hour and half hour.

Height:  13 1/2 inches

Width:  12 inches

Depth:  5 3/8 inches

Price:  $1,175