Elnathan Taber Mahogany case Coffin Clock, 222097.
Behold, a Rare Elnathan Taber Mahogany case Coffin Clock, a true gem for the discerning collector. This unique piece, featuring a time and an alarm movement, was crafted in May 1817.
This is not just an unusual and exciting variant of Simon Willard's Patent Wall Timepiece. It's a piece of history, a connection to the past. It may be one of the most challenging variations to find, but its rarity only adds to its allure. So few of these have come onto the marketplace in the last 50 years, so it is logical to assume that the number of examples originally made was limited. Curiously, this example is the most developed version currently known to us. The applied moldings on the door dress this case up, adding to its historical charm.
The case is neatly constructed in mahogany and retains an older surface. The case is dovetailed. These are hidden behind the applied molding located at the top and bottom of the case. The complex base molding consists of multiple steps and coves. This molding is fitted to the bottom of the case, so this example can also be used as a shelf clock. Of the less than half a dozen examples known to us, this is the only example incorporating this case feature. At the top of the case is a simple swan's neck pediment. This is framed with additional molding that balances the case form to the eye. The front of the cabinet opens as a door. It is hinged on the right and is secured with a hook. One will notice that the two circular openings, one for the dial and the other for the brass-faced pendulum bob, are trimmed with stylish bezel moldings. These openings are for viewing and are fitted with protective glass. The rectangular pattern on the forward-facing surface of the case is made with a half-round molding. Unhook the latch on the left side, and the door opens to access the case's interior. A mahogany mask board is used to frame the dial.
This iron dial is painted, and the time ring is formatted with Roman-style hour numerals. The minute ring is closed. This dial is also decorated with a thin, gilt inner ring. The hour and minute open moon hands are wonderfully hand-filed and display the time. I should turn one's attention to the third or extra hand on this dial. This hand is used to set the alarm.
This clock features a separate alarm mechanism mounted behind the mask board. When activated, the alarm uses a hammer to strike a bell mounted on the left side of the case. The bell is covered or protected with a piece of tin mounted to the side of the case. The tin is skillfully shaped and is designed to let the sound of the bell travel across the room. The alarm movement is wound independently of the time movement. Once set and fully wound, it is designed to operate for a full week before it needs to be rewound. It is powered by its' original lead bob weight fitted with a "duck-bill hook." The weight travels in a channel on the left side of the case.
The time movement is also weight-driven and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. Please note that the original time weight descends down a channel in the center of the case directly below the works. This channel is framed in pine. The movement features brass construction. Two brass rectangular-shaped plates frame the gearing and are joined by four brass pillars. As is the Taber tradition, the front plate bears several fascinating engravings. Many of these were done by Elnathan as a record of the clocks' service over the years. Elnathan engraved his name on the front plate at least three times and dated it several times. The legible inscriptions read, "1822, cleaned by E. Taber 1829, 1/27/1838, E. Taber Nov 3, 1843, / cleaned Jan 17, 1846..." Additional dates are also engraved in another hand, suggesting that another repairman also maintained the clock. These include "1/27/1838" and a "G. W?? 1856 / nov13 1865." The most exciting and important engraved information reads, "Made In May 1817." This is located below the idler wheel. Having this type of information about a first-period clock is very unusual. This is a great find. The movement is mounted to the backboard with two screws that are diagonally positioned on the back plate. The pendulum is supported on a T-Bridge suspension post. Overall, the movement is of excellent quality, typical of this Maker. The pendulum is constructed with a steel rod and a brass-faced lead bob. The brass face is, of course, visible through the lower opening of the front door. This motion indicates that the clock is operating.
In the lower section of the case, a piece of painted black tin. Its purpose is to separate the bob from the weight. It is in this location that the clock is signed. The Maker signed in script, "Warranted by E. Taber / Union Street Roxbury." A brass cross piece will secure the pendulum for travel. This brass piece is engraved with an "S" on the left of the center and an "F" on the right of the center. This indicates the direction in which to turn the threaded nut to adjust the rate.
This attractive clock measures approximately 35 inches long, 8 and 7/8 wide, and 3.5 inches deep. It was made in May 1817.
It is inventory number 222097.
Elnathan Taber was born in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on February 14, 1768, and may have died in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on February 27, 1854, at the age of 86. His grave was moved from Dartmouth to Forest Hills Cemetery in Jamaica Plain on October 29, 1870. His parents were Thomas and Elizabeth (Swift) Taber. Elnathan is the older brother of Stephen Taber, whose fortune helped found Taber Academy in Marion, MA. Both brothers traveled to Roxbury and were trained as clockmakers by the Willards. Elnathan was just 16. After serving his apprenticeship, Elnathan stayed and worked in Roxbury. His shop was located on Union Street. Union Street was renamed Taber Street in April 1868 in his honor. He was the first resident of that street. William Cummens also moved there and set up shop at the corner of Winslow. This short street was between Warren Street and Winslow Street. Elnathan maintained a close working relationship with his mentor Simon and became one of his most famous apprentices. He was authorized by Simon to make his patent timepieces during the patent period. He was also a prolific repairman. His name can be found engraved on numerous Boston area-made clocks as a service record. Elnathan married Catherine Partridge in January 1797. They had four children between the years of 1797 and 1811. Catherine had three sisters who also married clockmakers. Her sister Elizabeth married Abel Hutchins, and Mary (Polly) married Aaron Willard. A third sister married Samuel Curtis. Over the years, we have owned and sold numerous tall case clocks made by this fine clockmaker. In addition, we have owned a good number of wall timepieces in the form of banjo clocks and coffin clocks, as well as several of the Massachusetts shelf clock forms.
