Discussing Tallcase Clocks: Recognition Tips for Antique Timepieces in the 59th Edition of Tick Talk Tuesday
In the world of antique clocks, one question often lingers: who made this beautiful timepiece? JZ recently penned a letter about her husband's old clock, and the mystery of its maker is captivating many clock enthusiasts.
During the early 19th century, America witnessed a flourishing of clockmaking, with renowned artisans like Simon Willard, Elnathan Taber, Aaron Willard, Daniel Munroe, Lemuel Curtis, David Rittenhouse, John Wood, Benjamin Chandlee, and others leaving their indelible mark on the craft. However, identifying a clock's maker can be a daunting task without visible trademarks, labels, or inscriptions.
The clock JZ's husband owns seems to be an English or Scottish tall case clock, or an early 1800s to 1825 American clock. Its features—a plain case, column and capital designs, top fretwork, brass finials, and an arched dial with moon phase and calendar windows—suggest it could be the work of one of the aforementioned American clockmakers.
Eli Terry, Seth Thomas, Chauncey Jerome, and Aaron Willard are prime candidates. Terry, a Connecticut clockmaker, pioneered mass production and incorporated innovations such as calendar dials. Thomas, a prominent apprentice of Eli Terry, crafted clocks with similar characteristics and often used arched dials featuring moon phases and calendar windows. Jerome and Willard, both from Connecticut and Massachusetts respectively, produced various styles, including tall case clocks with brass finials and decorative columns, and occasionally moon phases.
Identifying the maker of a clock can be challenging without visible trademarks, labels, or inscriptions. Painted names are typically on the dial, often below the center arbour, but may be faint or worn off due to age. Signatures found inside the case door or on the backboard are rare.
If the clock is made by an eminent American clockmaker, such as Simon Willard, it would have been identified as such by now. Names or trademarks may be on the backplate or front plate of the movement, but are less common. Without definitive markings, any attribution remains speculative and requires careful comparison with known examples from the period.
As David P considers purchasing this intriguing clock, a detailed examination of the dial, movement, and case is essential. If the clock falls within his budget, it would be a nice acquisition, given its apparent intactness and the era it hails from.
JZ, a long-time reader, recently wrote to us about her husband's old clocks. In her letter, she shares the mystery surrounding the maker of one of their antique timepieces. We hope to shed some light on this fascinating question in future articles.
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on antique and vintage clocks, and join our community of clock enthusiasts. Together, we can celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of these timeless pieces.
[Note: The article does not provide any information about Arthur Pequegnat Nelson hall clock.]
- Clock enthusiasts worldwide are captivated by the enigma surrounding the maker of JZ's husband's antique clock, a beautiful timepiece that has sparked curiosity.
- While a variety of American artisans, such as Simon Willard, Elnathan Taber, and Chauncey Jerome, made significant contributions to the world of antique clocks, identifying their work requires careful examination due to the absence of visible trademarks.
- Amateur sleuths investigating the origins of clock JZ's husband owns should pay close attention to the dial, movement, and case, as painted names are often found on the dial, and signatures may be on the backplate or front plate of the movement.
- If the mystery clock is found to be the work of an eminent American clockmaker, such as Eli Terry or Aaron Willard, it would have been identified by now, making the ongoing search for its maker all the more intriguing.
- In the spirit of celebrating the beauty and craftsmanship of timeless pieces, one can find a sense of community with fellow clock enthusiasts by subscribing to our newsletter and discovering more about antique and vintage clocks.
