Nathaniel Kimball was born on August 6, 1805 and died on November 20, 1848 at the age of 43. He is listed in The Boston tax records as early as 1825 and is listed as a watchmaker located on Union Street. By 1834, he had formed a partnership with William Grant as William Grant & Co. This lasted approximately twelve months. This venture manufactured timepieces very similar to this example. We have owned several over the last 40 plus years. In October of 1835, Kimball forms a partnership with his older brother John as Kimball & Company.

This case is constructed in mahogany. The half rounded mahogany frames are fitted with richly figured mahogany veneered panels. The front surfaces have been nicely rubbed out giving the wood a clean and warm presentation. The side arms and bezel are cast in brass. The bezel is fitted with glass and is hinged on the right. It opens to access painted iron dial and the steel hour and minute hands. The time ring is marked out in Roman numerals. This dial is signed in small block lettering by the Maker, "N. KIMBALL, BOSTON.” This signature is now somewhat faint and original to this clock. Behind the dial is a brass weight driven movement. The weight is cast iron. The movement is designed to run eight days on a full wind and is very good quality. It is mounted to the back of the case with two screws. These pierce both brass plates and thread directly into the pine backboard. The pendulum bob is face in brass. A wonderfully carved wooden finial surmounts the case. This clock measures 33.25 inches long and was made circa 1834.