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Tall case clock
Tall case clock

Tall case clock

Artist (American, 1757–1844)
Date1790–1810
Mediummahogany
Dimensions8 ft, 7 1/2 in. (96 in., 19.1 cm)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineGift of The Paul Revere Insurance Company, a subsidiary of UnumProvident Corporation
Object number1999.513
DescriptionThis Federal tall case clock boasts intricate curved fretwork on the hood, crowned with three gold-plated brass Spike finials. These are perched on square, fluted plinths on the topmost front corners and between the fretwork. The molding is beveled on the hood's front and side edges, broken only over the clock face. The dial door has a rounded arch to accomodate the clock face's lunar phase lunette that, when turned, also shows a seascape and a small house. Two painted hemispheres sit atop the clock face, and the spandrels are painted golden triangles and flourishes with a red border. [Aaron Willard/BOSTON] is painted beneath the winding hole and arbor. There are two rectangular lights on either side of the hood, and beveled molding connects the base and trunk. On each front corner of the trunk, there are two quarter-round fluted Doric columns with gold-plated brass capitals and bases. The trunk door has a flat top profile, is attached with butt hinges, and has crossbanded veneer on its surface. The original label on the interior surface of the door was engraved by Paul Revere. Beveled molding connects the trunk and base, and the veneer on the front surface of the base is also crossbanded. The clock is supported by four French feet with a serpentine apron. The rear surface is not accessible.
Label TextJust south of Boston proper, the town of Roxbury, Massachusetts, was once a vital center of artisan activity. The Willard family of clock makers was noted for producing Federal-style timepieces at their individual Roxbury workshops. Theirs were among the first domestically made designs to become widely available to American consumers. This Hepplewhite-style tall case clock stands on four raised French bracket feet. Fluted quarter columns with brass capitals flank the corners of the case. Inside the hinged rectangular waist door is an original label designed by the Boston silversmith and engraver Paul Revere (1734–1818), which offers instructions for the device’s use. The hood boasts arched mahogany molding over the lunette and encloses a painted moon-phase dial fitted with brass eight-day works. The face is marked with twelve Roman numeral digits and is inscribed with the name of its maker, Aaron Willard. The three fluted and capped plinths are joined by pierced fretwork and surmounted by three identical brass spire finials, lending the structure an air of architectural elegance.ProvenanceDescended in the family of Solomon Wildes. Paul Revere Insurance Company, Worcester, MA.
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