Elnathan Taber of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Tall case clock. 212117
This inlaid mahogany case stands on four ogee bracket feet that support a double-stepped base molding. This molding is applied to the bottom of the base. The base panel features a fine selection of mahogany wood that is positioned in a vertical orientation. An inlaid urn is positioned in the oval that is centered in the base panel. The waist section of this case is long and narrow. It centers a rectangular-shaped waist door that is fitted with applied molding along its outer edge. The mahogany veneer selected for this prominent location features a vertical pattern. The center of this door also displays an additional inlaid oval that features a second urn. This urn displays a floral pattern. The sides of this case are fitted with brass stop-fluted quarter columns. These terminate in brass quarter capitals. The bonnet is a fretwork style surmounted with three ball and spike finials. They are mounted on fluted and capped plinths. The bonnet columns are also brass stop fluted, and terminate in brass capitals. The bonnet door is an arched form. This door opens to access the wonderfully painted iron dial.
This English-made Osbourne dial is colorfully painted. The two lower spandrel areas feature large floral designs. The upper two corners are decorated with strawberries. Additional floral decorations are displayed in the center field. The arch of this dial features a moon phase or lunar calendar mechanism. I love this moon. The face has the coloring of a PGA professional. It looks like he just took his hat off to do an interview. The hours, minutes, seconds, and calendar day are all displayed. This dial is signed by the Maker, "Warranted By / E. Taber," in fancy 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 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 which is mounted above the movement.
This beautiful clock was made circa 1795. It stands approximately 7 feet 8 inches tall (91.75 inches) to the top of the center finial. When measured at the feet, this case is 20 inches wide and 10.5 inches deep. The case is constructed in mahogany with holly line inlays, and New England white pine is used as a secondary wood. The mahogany retains a deep rich finish.
Inventory number 212117.
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.
