Enoch Burnham of Paris, Maine. A Maine made tall case clock in its original red wash. UU-55.
The country case style or form of this example has its roots in New England. This case is constructed primarily in birch. The secondary wood is white pine. This fine example retains its original red wash finish, which is in excellent original condition. A red wash was applied to a great many country cases that were constructed in birch and maple. This process tints these light woods to resemble the color of cherry or even, in many examples, mahogany. This fine example stands on flared French feet. The feet are nicely formed and have excellent height. The design incorporates a very subtle drop apron in the center of the base section. Many of the case components are decorated with finely reeded molding. This includes the rectangular-shaped waist door, quarter columns, bonnet columns, and finial plinths. The bonnet features an unusual pattern variation of a pierced and open fret. The frets are original to this clock and are supported by three capped chimney plinths. Brass finials are mounted on top of these plinths. The bonnet columns flank the door, which is arched and fitted with glass. This door opens to access the painted dial.
This dial appears to be of Boston manufacture. It is an iron dial attached directly to the movement without a false plate. It was most likely painted by one of the Spencer Nolen firms of Boston circa 1805. It is skillfully decorated, featuring traditional themes for this period. The four spandrel areas are decorated with stylized urns. Fanciful gesso and gilt designs frame these details. One will find a colorfully painted blue bird in the arch and additional floral themes. This dial is signed by the clockmaker below the calendar aperture. It reads, "Enoch Burnham / Paris," in script lettering. The time track is displayed in a traditional format. The Roman-style hour numerals are separated from the Arabic five-minute markers by a minute ring. This dial shows the seconds on a subsidiary dial and the month's date in an aperture below the center arbor.
The movement is brass, eight-day duration, and is of good quality. It is weight driven and features a rack and snail strike system and a recoil escapement. The original tin can weights are still with this clock. The pendulum features a brass-faced bob.
This case measured 7 feet 6.5 inches tall to the top of the center brass finial and was made circa 1805.
Inventory number UU-55.
It is not known where Enoch Burnham was born. It appears he was born in the Paris area sometime around 1770. Paris is a town that is located approximately 50 miles northwest of Portland in Oxford County. It is the county seat. It is a charming village having wonderful views of Mt. Chocorua and Mt. Washington in the White Mountains. Excellent pastures and orchards have thrived in this region. The Little Androscoggin River provided water power for this region. Burnham was well-established as a clockmaker in Paris prior to 1800. Jonathan Bemis is listed as one of his apprentices who also worked there. It is recorded that Burnham owned a considerable amount of land in this small farming community. He is recorded as living in Westbrook in the 1820s until his death sometime before 1850.
Very few clocks by Burnham are known. Most of the tall case clocks reported are signed on the dial. The place location usually listed is Paris. A Westbrook example is known. For a more complete listing of these Makers, please review "Clockmakers & Clockmaking in Maine 1770 - 1900," written by Joseph R. Katra Jr.
