Elnathan Taber, Roxbury, Massachusetts. This cross-banded mahogany case tall clock features a rocking ship automated dial. XX-7.
This impressive mahogany and cross-banded case exhibits excellent proportions and is constructed in the finest mahogany veneers. The case measures approximately 8 feet 5.5 inches tall to the top of the center finial, 20 inches wide, and 10.5 inches deep.
This mahogany case stands on four nicely formed flared French feet that smoothly transition into a drop apron. This apron hangs below the base section. The base is designed with a cross-banded framing around the perimeter of the front panel. The large crotch section of the veneer is vertically formatted. This design is consistent with that of the design used on the waist door. This waist door is long and is trimmed with applied molding. One would open this door to gain access to the inside of the case. Here, the original wooden pendulum rod, brass-faced bob, rating nut, and two red-painted tin can weights are accessible. The side of the waist is fitted with carved quarter columns that incorporate a twisted design. These unusual columns terminate in wooden capitals. The upper capitals are wonderfully carved. The bonnet features a traditional New England pierced and open fretwork design. This is supported by three reeded and capped plinths that are surmounted by three brass finials. Two spirally turned bonnet columns visually support the upper bonnet molding. These also feature a hand-carved design at the top. The sides of the bonnet are fitted with tombstone-shaped side lights. The arched bonnet door is fitted with glass and opens to access the colorfully painted iron dial.
This iron dial was paint-decorated by the Boston ornamental artists Spencer Nolan. It is signed by the clockmaker, "Elnathan Taber," in script lettering. The entire signature reads, "Warranted by E. Taber / Roxbury." The location of the signature is positioned just below the month calendar aperture. In addition, you will find the stamp of George Babcock, a Providence, Rhode Island, retailer of clocks. As a retailer, he most likely had the opportunity to sell this clock through his business in Providence. This is also located below the calendar aperture but is printed in a much smaller font. The four spandrel areas are colorfully paint-decorated with fruit themes. This includes shapely pears, which are uncommon to dial decoration, and apples and berries. The automated feature of a rocking ship is located in the arch of this dial. The painted ship moves or rocks gently from side to side with the pendulum's motion. The painted scene behind the sailing ship includes a large lighthouse built on a peninsula on the right. This nautical theme is painted on a convex piece of metal which adds to the visual depth of the scene. Automated tall clocks are difficult to find. It is thought that they would have been made as a special request and, therefore, were more expensive than the standard flat dial form. This dial also displays the hours, minutes, seconds, and calendar date in the traditional format.
The movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. Four turned pillars support the two brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions and brass gearing. The winding drums are grooved. The escapement is designed as a recoil format. The movement is weight driven and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It is a two-train or a time-and-strike design having a rack and snail striking system. As a result, it will strike each hour on the hour. This is done on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement on a stand.
This beautiful tall clock was made circa 1815. It stands approximately 8 feet 5.5 inches tall to the top of the center finial.
Inventory number XX-7.
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.
