30-hour clockworks installed into a built-in walnut corner cupboard with softwood interior painted white. Constructed in two parts: Upper section has an upper section of 3 doors, glazed central dial door flanked by two blind doors. Below are three glazed doors, central pendulum door flanked by two doors leading to shelves. Base section of cupboard has central false door flanked by two blind doors. Recent addition of brass lock escutcheons on all but dial door. Clock dial is white with paint decoration; calendar wheel; signed "John Hoff/ LANCASTER." Cupboard was built into home of Daniel Zittle/Sittle (1773-1855) of Lampeter Square and removed about 1887 by later owner Dr. J. Henry Musser. Plywood backing added then.
Clockworks by John Hoff (1776-1818), Lancaster Borough, and cubboard by an unknown joiner in the vicinity of Lampeter Square.
Provenance
From Daniel Zittle to son Cyrus Zittle who sold property in 1887 to Dr. J. Henry Musser (b. 1845 in Lampeter), where he practiced medicine1866-1916. Dr. Musser removed the clock to his Lampeter residence. Then removed to son William M. Musser's Lampeter home in 1923. Then given to his son (donor) in 1952 for his home at 1768 Rockvale Rd., Lancaster, PA. Then moved to home of donor's son William M. Musser, III at 1525 Mission Dr., Lancaster, PA. Finally gifted to Heritage Center May 26, 1994.
Fewer than six cupboards with centrally positioned clockworks are known. John Hoff's account book has an August 19, 1812 entry noting the sale of an alarm clock with 12" dial to Daniel Sittle of Lampeter Square, to be done in 2 months. Later entry notes "Took the Clock away Nov. 28, 1812"
Clock functions, minute hand partially broken and hour hand bent. Cupboard has old crazed finish, not original. Cornice molding replaced at right corner; side pieces of molding missing at mid-line; nail holes and damaged areas at lower sides and bottom edges where attached to floor and walls. Holes and indentations remain where missing latches were attached at four lower and middle doors. Mullions removed on glazed doors. Waist section gouged out at sides to allow pendulum room to swing.
Object ID
G.94.10.1
Credit
Gift of William Musser in memory of Dr. J. Henry Musser, Heritage Center Collection
