Abel Stowell of Charlestown, Massachusetts. Wall clock. Tavern clock. 27140.
This case is constructed in mahogany, with New England white pine as a secondary wood. The mahogany features an older and possibly original finish. The mahogany selected for the construction of this case is first-rate. Please note the wonderful crotch-veneered door that dominates the front of the case. The base or lower section of the case rolls back to the wall, forming a quarter round. Positioned above this is the access door. This door allows one access to the brass-faced pendulum bob and weight. The circular wooden bezel is nicely formed and is fitted with glass. It opens to a 12-inch circular dial.
The painted iron dial is convex and features a closed time ring. Roman numerals are used to mark the hours. The quarter hours are marked with Arabic numerals. The Maker's script signature is located below the center arbor. This dial is mounted onto a rabbeted head.
The brass movement is weight-driven and is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The teeth in the gear train are deeply cut.
This clock case measures 30.25 inches long overall.
Inside this case is a note that reads, "This clock was given to me by Mr. Spaulding when he gave up his Presidency of the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company, February 1, 1919. E W Langley."
Inventory number 27140.
Abel Stowell Jr. was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on March 14, 1789, and died in Charlestown, Massachusetts, on September 6, 1860. He was the son of Abel Stowell Senior, who was an ingenious individual. Senior is listed in Paul Foley's book, "Willard's Patent Time Pieces," as a clockmaker, watchmaker, screw maker and inventor. Over his lifetime, he applied for and was granted several patents for various types of machinery. Many of these patents involved cutting the head of a screw. It is thought that he trained his sons in many of his fields of expertise.
Abel Stowell Jr. is also listed in Foley's book. He is listed as working in the following Massachusetts towns. They include Worcester, Groton, Medford, Boston, and Charlestown. Abel Stowell Jr. worked as a clockmaker, watchmaker, screw maker and jeweler. Stowell is listed as being in partnership with his brother-in-law James Ridgeway in 1812-16. The two were working in Groton as clockmakers under the firm name Ridgeway & Stowell. It is interesting to note that Stowell was living in Medford by 1814, and he was married there. He also operated a screw and nail-making factory in this town. Sometime around 1819, it is thought that Abel dropped the use of "junior" from his name. This was shortly after his father's death. In 1822-23, Stowell was then listed in the Boston Directories as a clockmaker. His shop is located on Cambridge Street. At the same time, he was also maintaining business interests in Medford and Charlestown. In 1824, Abel and his brother John J. Stowell formed a business together in Charlestown. In November 1835, Abel advertised that he was at No. 78, Main Street. Here, he sold "Watches, Jewelry,… Eight day Timepieces,…" Shortly after, He took his son Abel Jr. III into partnership, and in November of 1838, he advertised as Abel Stowell & Son. This partnership was dissolved in 1846, and Abel Jr. started to advertise as "successors to A. Stowell & Son." It should be noted that Abel Stowell had two sons, Abel Jr. III and Alexander, who also followed him in the trade.
