Jason R. Rawson of Holden, Massachusetts. A tiger maple decorated Pillar & Splatt shelf clock with a time, strike, and alarm wooden geared movement. 221110.
Jason R. Rawson of Holden, Massachusetts, circa 1839, made this superb wooden works shelf clock. This mixed wood case example is constructed in pine, mahogany, mahogany veneers, and tiger maple. The case features a wonderfully warm finish that promotes the honey coloring of the tiger maple wood. The door is veneered in striped mahogany. The lower section contains a mercury-backed mirror that is in fantastic original condition. The mirror is held in place with a pine board. On this board is a notation that suggests that this clock was in Goffstown, NH, in 1854 and was serviced by Asa Burnham and then later by R. Morrill. The upper section of the door is fitted with clear glass so one can view the dial. The door is hinged and locks closed with a key. Flanking the door are two long triangular-shaped tiger maple-grained columns. The splat, located at the top of the case, is also tiger maple and contrasts wonderfully with the darker mahogany. The splat is secured with two plinths, one on each side.
The wooden dial is painted. The four spandrel areas are decorated with gilt-finished patterns. The additional use of gold can be found in the minute and other concentric rings. The hours are demarked with Roman-style numerals. The hands are steel and are well formed. The brass disk in the center of the dial is used for setting the alarm.
The weight-driven movement is wooden geared and designed to operate for thirty hours on a full wind. Two rectangular-shaped wooden plates support the steel pinions, wooden arbors, and wooden gearing. The strike train features a count-wheel system. It will strike each hour on a coil wire gong that is mounted to the backboard inside the case. The alarm is wound through the dial. The gearing for this is also mounted between the plates. When set, the alarm strikes a cast iron bell that is mounted on top of the case behind the splat.
The Maker's label is pasted inside the clock onto the backboard. It is in wonderful overall condition. It reads: "CLOCK MANUFACTORY / IMPROVED / CLOCKS, / Manufactured and Sold, / WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, BY / JASON R. RAWSON, / HOLDEN, MASS., / 1839. / Warranted, if well used. / The Public may rest assured that CLOCKS made at this Factory are equal, if not superior, to any / ever made in this country." This label was printed by "Palladium Office -- No. 11. Central Exchange, Worcester, Mass.--E. W. Bartlett, Printer."
This case measures approximately 31.75 inches tall, 16 inches wide, and 5 inches deep.
Jason R. Rawson was born in Holden, Massachusetts, in 1809. He moved several times. Some of these moves include Athens, Vermont, in 1840; Saxton's River, Vermont, in 1842; Watertown, New York, where he was married in 1845 and settled in Queensbury, New York. A watch paper that is dated 1839 having the place location of Holden is also known. Additional thirty-hour wooden works movements clocks have been found. Many of the Holden examples are dated, as is this example on the label.
Inventory Number 221110.
