Elnathan Taber of Roxbury, Massachusetts. An inlaid mahogany tall case clock. XXSL-25.
This inlaid mahogany case exhibits classic Roxbury form and proportions. They are outstanding. The case measures approximately 7 feet 10 inches or 94 inches tall to the top of the center finial. This clock is approximately 20 inches wide and 10.5 inches deep at the upper hood or bonnet molding.
This line inlaid mahogany case stands on four delicately formed ogee bracket feet. These are very well formed and are mounted below a double-stepped base molding. These moldings are applied to the bottom of the base panel. The base panel features a selection of mahogany wood that is laid out vertically. This panel is also decorated with a thin line inlaid pattern. Located in each corner is an inlaid quarter fan comprised of five petals of alternating light and dark wood. These are interesting because they are also capped at the larger ends with additional light and dark inlay. This detail is repeated in the formatting of the long rectangular-shaped waist door. This door is trimmed with an applied molding. The mahogany veneer selected for this prominent location features long, subtle sweeping lines. The sides of this case are fitted with fluted quarter columns. These terminate in brass quarter capitals and are stopped with brass rods. The bonnet features a traditional New England-style fretwork pattern being supported by fluted and capped plinths. Each plinth supports a brass ball and spike finial. The bonnet columns are also brass, stop-fluted, and terminate in brass capitals. Tombstone-shaped side lights are fitted into the sides of the hood. The bonnet door is an arched form and is lined inlaid. This door opens to access the wonderfully painted iron dial.
This dial is colorfully painted and is of Boston origin. The artwork is attributable to Spencer Nolen, an ornamental artist known to have painted dials. The four spandrel areas are decorated with colorful medallions. Attractive gilt designs frame this painted feature. A country scene is painted in the lunette. It is a scene that depicts commerce in that two sailboats are tied to the dock while an individual is in the process of unloading or loading one of them. Build sits on the rise. It may be a tavern since three additional individuals and also depicted. On minds, a horse while sitting on a barrel. The hours, minutes, seconds, and calendar days are all displayed within the time ring. This dial is signed by the Maker, "E.* TABER," in script lettering.
This fine 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 in 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 which is mounted above the movement.
This beautiful clock was made circa 1795.
Inventory number XXSL-25.
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.
