Charles Babbitt's first tall clock, Number 1. Taunton, Massachusetts. EEE-35.
This attractive cross-banded mahogany case tall clock features works made by the important Southeastern Massachusetts clockmaker Charles Babbitt of Taunton. The Southeastern Massachusetts region has a rich tradition of clockmaking, and Babbitt's contribution to this tradition is significant. It is not currently known who Babbitt was trained by, but his influence on the local community is undeniable.
This fine example features a case constructed of high-quality, figured mahogany. The modern shellac finish enhances the naturally rich color of this beautiful imported and exotic wood and presents a variety of warm tones. The cabinet stands on an applied bracket base designed with four delicately formed flared French feet. Between the feet is a double-drop apron. The feet transition into the elongated base section with a shaped molding. The perimeter of the base panel is framed with a cross-banded border of exotic rosewood, showcasing its distinctive linear grain structure. This inlaid construction element is repeated in the design of the long rectangular waist door. The cabinetmaker's choice of figured veneers for the base panel and the waist door is first-rate. Both panels exhibit exuberant and engaging grain structures. These are choice selections of veneer. An applied molding frames the outside edge of the waist door. This door provides access to the pendulum and two drive weights housed inside the case. The front corners of the case are fitted with inset brass stop-fluted quarter columns. These terminate at both ends in brass quarter capitals. The bonnet is surmounted with delicately scrolling open fretwork in a distinctive regional pattern. The design incorporates three capped and fluted finial plinths, each mounted with a brass ball and spike finial. The panels on the sides of the hood are fitted with glazed tombstone-shaped sidelights. These provide a view of the brass works. A pair of tapered and fluted colonnettes is located on the sides of the door in brass capitals and bases. These are also stop fluted with brass rods. The arch-glazed dial door opens to a wonderfully painted dial of Boston manufacture, a unique and intriguing design.
The 13-inch iron dial features a painted moon phase disk in the lunette, decorated with hand-painted scenes and moon faces. One side of the moon disk depicts a coastal scene with a cottage, and the other is a frigate at sail. At the base of this lunette are two hemispheres decorated with detailed terrestrial maps. Four colorful geometrically designed fans frame the time ring. The prominent colors of these painted decorations are green and gold. The clock face displays the time on a ring formatted with Arabic quarter makers on the outer edge of a slashed and segmented minute ring. Roman-style numerals mark each hour. The dial is fitted with a seconds bit with a steel pointer above the center arbor and a calendar dial with a steel pointer below. The dial is signed in flowing calligraphy below the center arbor with the maker's name, "Charles Babbitt / Taunton, No.1."
This movement is constructed in brass and of good quality. It is weight-driven and designed to run for eight days on a full wind, ensuring that you can rely on it for accurate timekeeping. With its rack and snail striking system, the time and strike design adds a practical element to this elegant clock, striking each hour on the hour on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement.
Dimensions: Height including center finial: 7 feet 8 inches or 92 inches; Width 20 inches; Depth 9.5 inches.
This very clock, with its unique design and historical significance, is featured in the renowned publication Harbor & Home: Furniture of Southeastern Massachusetts, 1710-1850. Its appearance in this authoritative work, authored by Jobe, Sullivan & O'Brien and published by University Press in 2009, on Pages 294-295, plate 98- 98.2, underscores its importance in the history of Southeastern Massachusetts clocks.
Inventory number EEE-35.
Charles Babbitt of Taunton, Massachusetts. A polymath of his time, he was a clockmaker, watchmaker, silversmith, jeweler, merchant, inventor, skillful mechanic, soldier, investor, and humanitarian, showcasing a remarkable range of skills and interests.
In The Babbitt Family History, 1643-1900 by William Bradford Browne, Charles Babiit is described as a "genius." It appears he had a natural ability to use tools. He was scientific and skillful with metals. Charles Babbitt was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, on December 3, 1786, and died there on August 13, 1854. His parents were Ziba Babbitt and Bathsheba (Luscombe) Babbitt. Charles married Abigail White (b. 2/14/1784, d. 10/25/1846) on January 20, 1807, in Taunton. They had five children, three husky sons and two daughters. His diverse career saw him as a clockmaker, watchmaker, silversmith, jeweler, merchant, a dealer in fine tools and hardware, and inventor at various points between 1807 and 1850. He was among the first to make percussion caps for firearms that eventually supplanted flint locks. He designed and built a machine that produced copper shells. He invented a cast steel hone for putting a fine edge on razors. He pulled teeth, fitted glasses, and adjusted ear trumpets. His shop was located on Main Street and was in direct competition with Abner Pitts of the same town.
Charles Babbitt's shop was a hub of innovation. In 1810, he was well established as a gold and silversmith and was employing apprentices. In 1824, he partnered with Sturgis Davis as Davis & Babbitt, and in 1828 through 1830 the name was changed to Davis, Babbitt & Co. Charles died on August 13, 1854, in his hometown, at the age of 67, and was buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Taunton, Bristol, Massachusetts, United States.
We have owned a tall clock and a wall clock signed by this Maker.
