An elaborately inlaid cherry case tall clock of New England origin. This clock is unsigned. 23177.
This is a very interesting inlaid cherry case tall clock of New England origin. This clock was most likely made in Connecticut circa 1800.
The case is constructed in cherry and has taken a wonderful dark rich finish. This contrasts nicely with the lighter maple inlay patterns found throughout the case design. This case stands up on cut-out bracket feet that retain their original height. The diminutive-sized base features a front panel that is lined inlaid. The corners of this pattern are fitted with quarter fans. The rectangular box centers an inlaid pinwheel or quarterfoil. The waist section is very long and very narrow. Inlaid columns flank the side of the case. These terminate in inlaid capitals. A second line inlaid rectangular frames the waist door. This rectangular pattern is also fitted with quarter fans. The waist door is a tombstone shape. This door features additional line inlay patterns, a center medallion, and a fan located in the arch. The bonnet features a modified broken arch pediment. This has an unusual shape in that the outside corners are turned upwards. The molded arches center a large turned wooden finial mounted on a central plinth. Incorporated in the bonnet design are additional inlay patterns that repeat some of the themes found in the lower portion of the case. These tie the clock design together very nicely. The bonnet door is arched and fitted with glass. It opens to access the dial. The painted iron dial features a rural character. The decorations are reserved. The spandrels feature strawberries, and an urn is depicted in the arch. The movement is brass. It is weight powered and designed to strike the hour on a cast iron bell mounted above it. This clock is designed to run for eight days on a full wind and is good quality.
This case stands approximately 8 feet 2 inches tall.
Family history suggests that Joel Taylor originally purchased this clock in Connecticut. Joel was born on March 4, 1764, in Merrimack, New Hampshire, and died on January 16, 1846. He is thought to have fought in the American Revolution. Joel was also one of the first settlers of the Town of Pawlet when he purchased land on Rupert Mountian on the Road from Pawlet to Salem, Vermont. In March of 1784, Joel married Hannah Farrar (born 1762). She was also originally from NH. Together they had at least five children.
Children:
Hannah. Born August 20, 1785. She married Robert Wilson of Rupert, VT.
Polly. Born October 22, 1787. She married Austin Johnson of Rupert, VT.
Joel. Born August 17, 1794. He married Olive Field of Dorset, VT.
Stephen. Born April 10, 1796. He married Harriet Sheldon of Rupert, VT.
Elbridge. Born August 24, 1799.
The clock was passed down through the Taylor family. Joel's son Stephen was the clock's second owner. Stephen married Harriet Sheldon. Together they had a son named Dewight (born September 10, 1825), who married Autora Eastman on April 24, 1850. Dewight was the third owner. He becomes one of the most successful, affluent, and influential men in the town and county. In addition, he was a successful farmer. Their daughter Hattie was next to own the clock. She married Orlin P. Black, who was a hired man. Orlin Black sold the clock to Mr. Taylor, who lived in Middletown Springs, VT. Middleton Springs is located just North of Pawlet. It was then sold to Daisy and Arthur Crampton.
Inventory number 23177.
