An inlaid mahogany tall clock attributed to Bassett & Warford of Albany, New York. 222084.
This beautifully inlaid mahogany case tall clock is of New York State origin. Due to the case proportions and the formatting of the inlays, this clock is attributed to Bassett & Warford of Albany. Two known signed examples by this partnership share this case design. The first example is in The Mabel Brady Garvan Collection at Yale University, and the second is at The Albany Institute of History and Art.
This intricate case form is typical of some of the finest New York State cases of the neoclassical period. Note the exceptional mahogany woods selected for the construction of this cabinet. The graining exhibited is excellent. In addition, this case features first-rate inlay work, which is employed throughout the entire case design. The bold proportions suggest this case example was made for a large space. It would do very well in most contemporary entryways.
The bonnet is a swan's neck pediment form exhibiting high, delicate arches that terminate in applied brass rosettes. Three brass ball-and-spiked finials are raised plinths at the top of the hood. The center finial is above a line inlaid molding or keystone. The molding terminates at the bottom with a three-bladed fan. It cuts into the molded arch. The keystone also divides the tympanum into two halves, which are veneered. The grain has been book-matched. A bookend inlay sets the outer edge. The molded arch is thin and visually supported by finely reeded colonettes mounted in brass capitals. The arched bonnet door is fitted with glass protecting the painted dial. The waist section features fluted quarter columns that terminate in turned wooden quarter capitals in the front corners. The shaped waist door is decoratively inlaid with a stringing that defines the panels and figured veneers. The oval section features a crotch pattern that is visually alive. Additional bookend inlays are set in the collar of the waist. Two of the four smaller oval panels are also located here. The other two ovals are vertically positioned below the quarter columns. The base panel centers another large inlaid oval. The wood selected for this location is also fantastic. The broad framing of the base is done in a darker shade of mahogany, creating a nice color contrast. The four darker mahogany panels are joined with mitered corners. The case stands on four delicately formed flared French feet. A drop apron hangs below the base.
This hand-painted dial features a lunar calendar or moon phase mechanism in the arch. The spandrel areas are decorated with gilt designs that help frame the traditionally formatted time ring. Each of the five-minute positions is marked with Arabic-style numerals. A dotted minute ring separates these markers from the Roman-style hour numerals. The subsidiary seconds dial, and calendar dial display is located inside the time ring. Colorful floral patterns are also located there. The steel-shaped hands are thinly shaped steel and indicate the time.
This movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. Four turned pillars support the two large rectangular-shaped brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions, brass gearing, and recoil escapement. The winding drums are smooth. The weight-driven movement runs for eight days on a full wind. It is a two-train or a time-and-strike design, having a rack and snail striking system. As a result, it will strike each hour on the hour on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement.
This clock was made circa 1800.
The overall height of this case is 8 feet 3 inches tall.
Inventory number 222084.
Nehemiah B. Bassett and Joseph Warford formed a partnership in Albany, New York, on August 25, 1800. Their shop was located at the upper end of Market St, No.12, at the sign of the silver watch. Both men were trained as silversmiths by the Huttons in Albany. Nehemiah Bassett may have learned clock and watchmaking before he left Stratford, CT. This partnership produced and sold clocks as well as numerous pieces of silver. In addition, they advertised they sold watch chains, seals, keys, and related items. They developed a solid reputation and produced silver for George Clinton, the Vice-President of the United States. In October of 1805, the partnership was dissolved. Bassett paid Warford $1,800 in cash for half of the stock in trade.
Nehemiah B. Bassett was born in July of 1770 in Stratford, CT. He is the son of Samuel Bassett (1723-) and Mary Bassett (1736-). It appears he stayed in Connecticut until the early 1790s, when he may have learned clock and watchmaking. On October 4, 1792, he married Martha Savage of Middletown, CT. By 1795, Bassett moved to Albany and was working with the Albany silversmith, Isaac Hutton (1767-1855). Basset worked alone till about 1800 when he formed a partnership on August 25 with Joseph Warford. Warford was born in Amwell, NJ, on May 1, 1779, and died in Salem, NY, on October 11, 1847. It seems likely that Bassett was introduced to Warford at the Huttons' business since Warford also trained there. The Bassett and Warford venture lasted almost five years, 1805, when Bassett paid Warford $1,800 in cash for half of the stock in trade. Both men continue working in their trade. Bassett eventually moves on to Schenectady, NY. Warford finds his way to Salem.
