Aaron Willard Jr. mahogany cased tall clock with rocking ship dial and Paul Revere set up label. This clock was made on Washington Street in Boston, Massachusetts. BBB-33.

This fine mahogany case tall clock features long, narrow proportions. It was made by Aaron Willard Jr. of Boston, Massachusetts, and features an automated rocking ship dial and the Clockmakers' original set up label.

This mahogany case is very nicely proportioned and retains an older historic shellac finish. This case stands on four flared French feet that exhibit very good height. The transition between the feet forms a nicely shaped apron below the base section. The feet are visually separated from the base by a thin molding applied to the case's three sides. The front-facing panel of the base features a vibrant selection of mahogany. This special selection of wood features a grain pattern that is positioned so that it appears to be rising from below as it radiates up and outward. The large rectangular-shaped waist door is trimmed with delicate applied molding. The veneer selected for this location features a grain pattern that exhibits long sweeping lines. The door provides access to the interior of the case. Here one will find the two original red-painted tin can drive weights and the original wooden pendulum rod that supports a brass-faced bob and rating nut. The Clockmaker's original setup label is on the back of the doo. It lists the "Directions for putting up the Clock." This label is credited to have been printed by the American Patriot Paul Revere. The wording implies that the clock or movement was not installed in the case during transport. They were moved separately. It is well worth mentioning that Clockmaker's labels are not often found and, as a result, are a wonderful addition to the history of this clock. Long reeded quarter columns flank the sides of the case. These terminate in brass quarter capitals. The lower capitals are fitted on veneered blocks. The hood or bonnet features a free-flowing lacy pattern of fretwork. The open fretwork is supported with three reeded finial plinths. Each is fitted with a brass finial. These finials are a ball form having an eagle on top. Reeded mahogany bonnet columns are positioned on both sides of the door. These are also mounted in brass capitals. The bonnet door is arched, and the opening is glazed. 

This very colorful painted iron dial was painted by the Boston ornamental artists Nolen & Curtis. It is a 12-inch dial with a rocking ship display in the arch. The rocking ship is an automated feature. The fully rigged painted ship is depicted flying the American flag and sailing across the turbulent waves. The water is lively. This ship is cut from tin and moves or gently rocks from side to side with the pendulum's motion. The painted scene behind the sailing ship is quite interesting. It includes a large fortification on the left, built high on a rocky point. This nautical theme is painted on a convex piece of metal which adds to the visual depth of the scene. The four spandrel locations are decorated with geometric and floral patterns. The colors, including green, red, and gold, attract attention. These are highlighted with raised gesso beads that are finished in gilt paint. The time ring is formatted with all Arabic numerals. Inside the outer gold band, Arabic numerals indicate the five-minute positions. A dotted minute circle divides these from the larger Arabic-style hours. A subsidiary seconds dial and month calendar display are in traditional locations. The hands are filed from steel and have been blued. The minute and hour hands are an unusual form to be used on a tall case clock. This style is more traditionally found on Massachusetts shelf clocks of the period. Both hands are very nicely made and are three-dimensional hand filed. This dial is signed by the Clockmaker, "Aaron Willard Jr. / BOSTON." 

The clockworks are constructed in brass and are of good quality. Four-turned pillars support the two brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions and brass gearing. The winding drums are grooved. The escapement is designed in a recoil format. The weight-driven movement is intended to run for eight days. 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. This is done on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement. This design is very reliable and is an excellent timekeeper.

This is a very attractive example. It measures approximately 8 feet 2.5 inches or 98.5 inches tall to the top of the center finial, 20.5 inches wide, and 10.5 inches deep.

Inventory number BBB-33.