Eleazer Baker of Ashford, Connecticut. A unique tall clock with an inlaid cherry case, dated '1790' and numbered '12.' UU-107.
This significant clock, signed by the Ashford, Connecticut Clockmaker Eleazer Baker, is a window into the past. Dated '1790' and numbered '12,' this information was discovered during the cleaning of the dial, engraved on the outer edges of the seconds dial. It is a testament to the rich history of clockmaking in the Connecticut Valley region of New England, a history shaped by the skills and teachings of Thomas Harland and his apprentices.
The cherry case, adorned with intricate light wood inlays of maple and mahogany, stands on four shapely ogee bracket feet. The craftsmanship is evident in the eight-pointed inlaid star, featuring alternating shades of light and darker tones of wood. The waist door is trimmed with a molded and banded mahogany edge.
The figure in the wood selected for this door is outstanding. Centered here is an inlaid patera. Fluted quarter columns inset in the corners of the waist and terminate in turned wooden quarter capitals. Inlaid above the quarter columns are additional decorative inlays. The inlay selected for this feature is sand-shaded or slightly burnt on an edge. As a result, the panels appear three-dimensional. A nicely shaped molding follows the contour of the swan's neck pediment. These terminate in applied brass rosettes. The brass finials are mounted on fluted wooden plinths at the top of the hood. The center finial features a phoenix. Two fully turned and fluted bonnet columns flank the arched glazed door, which opens to allow one access to the dial.
This sheet brass dial is skillfully engraved. The decoration is over the top. Engraved dials were very popular in the Connecticut Valley region of New England. This may be due to the clockmaking and engraving skill sets Thomas Harland taught his apprentices. Most notable of his apprentices is Daniel Burnap of East Windsor, Connecticut, who is thought to have engraved dials for other Clockmakers. The Baker dial is constructed from a thin sheet of brass hammered flat by hand. The front surface is skillfully engraved. These decorations are filled with black wax or paraffin, and a silver wash is applied over the brass for contrast. This dial features a traditionally formatted time ring. Arabic numerals are used to mark each of the five-minute markers up to sixty. These are separated from the Roman-style hour numerals by a segmented time ring. Very nicely formatted steel hands indicate the time. The calendar display is below the center arbor. The subsidiary seconds dial is above the center arbor. The Clockmaker's name is boldly engraved in a central location. The working location of "ASHFORD" is signed below the calendar dial. The following motto is engraved in the arch. It reads, "Time raped flyes inbrace it man / Alas thy life is but a span." Additional engraved decorations include long, leafy vines, florals, swags, and trees. The artistry is first-rate. The dial is mounted to the movement with the use of four posts. These are secured to the front of the dial by screws.
The movement is constructed in brass. The cast brass plates are nicely finished and supported with four traditionally shaped pillars or posts associated with the Harland / Burnap clockmaking school. The gearing is brass, the pinions are steel, and the winding barrels are grooved. The weight-driven movement is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. This clock features a rack and striking snail system. It strikes the hours on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement. All in all, it is good quality. A wooden seatboard supports the movement in the case.
This clock was made circa 1790 and stands approximately 89.5 inches (7 feet 5.5 inches) tall to the top of the center finial.
Inventory number UU-107.
Eleazer Baker of Ashford, Connecticut. Clockmaker, watchmaker and goldsmith.
Eleazer Baker was Born on December, 17, 1764 in Tolland, Connecticut and died on December 3, 1848 in Mansfield Center, Connecticut. His parents were Joseph Baker 1738-1804 and Lois Carpenter 1740 – 1808. He married Hannah Trowbridge in Pomfret, Connecticut on April 12, 1787. He is listed as working in Ashford in 1875. In 1791, he began training Edmund Hughes who later “ran away†and then returned to finish his training. In 1793, he advertised in the Windham Herald as a clock and watchmaker and goldsmith. In 1794 he is listed in the Ashford Land Records as buying property. In 1795, he is again listed as buying the adjoining land at the junction of the Boston and Hartford, Turnpike. The house he built, still stands today. Very few clocks have been recorded. A number of pieces of silver have been found including tankers, teapots, porringers, etc.
