Bigelow, Kennard & Co. of Boston, Massachusetts. A three train hall clock or Grandfather clock. 218015.
John Bigelow was born in Westminster, Massachusetts, on May 26, 1802. His parents were Luke Bigelow and Asenath (Winship) Bigelow. John was trained as a silversmith and was first listed as doing business in Boston as early as 1824 as John Bigelow & Co. In the early 1830s, he was joined by his brothers Alanson & Abraham O. Bigelow, prompting the firm's name to change to Bigelow Bros. & Co. The company expanded its business from jewelry to include high-quality clocks, watches, and altar silverware. Their merchandise was privately manufactured and sold at their store in Boston. Martin Parry Kennard of Brookline, Massachusetts, joined the firm in 1845, which prompted the company to change its name to Bigelow Bros. & Kennard until 1863, when the name was again changed. This time to Bigelow, Kennard & Co. The store was closed in 1971-72.
This meticulously crafted mahogany case retains an older finish that has been recently rubbed out. It presents a super clean and crisp appearance, showcasing the masterful craftsmanship of its makers.
This case is raised on four large carved hairy paw feet. The base section is decorated with an applied floral-themed carved panel framed with a series of moldings. The waist section of this clock case is stepped in or pinched. The center of this section features a large door. Thirty-three separate beveled glass panels are incorporated into its design. Through this, one can view the motion of the pendulum while the clock is in operation. You can also see the three brass-covered weights that power the movement when they are at window level. All of these brass-faced components are highly finished. The glass panels are flanked by carved columns, which are located inside the door frame. A wonderfully carved shell is positioned at the top of the door. The front corners of this waist section are fitted with turned columns of a complex design. The spiral pattern is distinctive. Both columns terminate in Doric-style capitals. Both the upper and lower waist moldings are decorated with rich carvings. The bonnet rests on top of the upper molding. The molded arch pediment is well-formed and accented with decoratively carved details. Three wonderfully cast brass pineapple finials are supported on individual plinths. These are outstanding and are original to this clock. Access doors are located on the sides of the bonnets. These are fitted with cast grates finished in a golden wash. The bonnet door is constructed with a cast brass bezel and thick beveled glass. Through this, one views the brass dial.
The bonnet door opens to access the brass composite circular dial. Applied details such as the engraved chapter ring, polished brass raised numerals, and pierced center mat are often found on clocks of this high quality and finish. This is the highest quality. This dial is signed in the center section "Bigelow, Kennard & Co., Boston." Three levers on the outside of the dial give the operator options. The silent / chime lever is located above the hour twelve. The selector that allows one to choose the Westminster or Whittington tunes is outside of hour three. The last sector allows one to choose to hear the hours only being struck. This is located outside of the hour number nine.
This brass-constructed three-train movement was made to the highest standards of the day. The plates are extremely thick. They are supported by heavily constructed and turn posts. The weight-driven works are designed to keep time or run for eight days on a full wind. It can also strike each hour and/or quarter hours. This is done on a series of coil gongs or bells. One has a choice of tunes. Westminster is a four-gong sequence. This clock strikes the Westminster tune on four coil gongs. The second choice is Whittington. This tune requires eight notes. As a result, a nest of eight bells is mounted on a rack above the movement. The quarter-hour sequence is progressive. Again, the sound is terrific.
This tall case or hall clock stands an impressive 100.5 inches tall or 8 feet 4.5 inches tall, making it a striking presence in any space. It measures 22.5 inches wide, and is a full 18 inches deep, showcasing its substantial size and grandeur.
This clock was made circa 1890.
Inventory number 218015.
John Bigelow was born in Westminster, Massachusetts on May 26, 1802. His parents were Luke Bigelow and Asenath (Winship) Bigelow. John was trained as a silversmith and is first listed as doing business in Boston as early as 1824 as John Bigelow & Co. In the early 1830's, he was joined by his brothers Alanson & Abraham O. Bigelow prompting the firm's name to change to Bigelow Bros. & Co. The company expanded its business from jewelry to include high quality clocks, watches and altar silverware. Their merchandise was privately manufactured and sold at their store in Boston. Martin Parry Kennard of Brookline, Massachusetts joined the firm in 1845, which prompted the company to change its name to Bigelow Bros. & Kennard until 1863. From 1863 to 1972 the firm was called Bigelow, Kennard & Co. The store was closed in 1971-72.
