Enoch J. Titcomb Clockmaker and Jeweler. Boston, MA. Box Lyre Timepiece. 219082.
The case is constructed in mahogany, figured mahogany veneers, and a pine backboard. This was refinished 20-plus years ago in a shellac-based finish. The color is excellent and is considered a light brown. This light restoration highlights the carvings, which are well executed and predominately exhibited in the throat section of the case. The clock is surmounted by a turned wooden mahogany finial in the form of an acorn. It is mounted on a tall, slightly tapered plinth towards the bottom. The round head is fitted with a brass bezel. This secures the protective glass and is hinged to allow one access to the painted dial.
The dial is painted on iron. The Maker’s name can be seen signed above the numeral “VI.” The time track is formatted with Roman-style hour numerals inside a closed minute track. The steel hands are a popular form for several Boston area clockmakers working during this later period.
The harp-shaped throat frame is a half-round design richly embellished with carvings in the form of leaves. The frame is fitted with reverse-painted tablets. This is an excellent reproduction. The mustard yellow field is the background for florals and cornucopias, and the red strings of the harp are positioned in a vertical format, reinforcing the musical instrument theme of the form. The lower box also features a half-rounded frame. This is fitted with a tablet painted to match the throat glass. The same colors are used. The central theme here is a basket of fruit. This door opens from the right and allows access to the pendulum bob covered in brass. One may need access to the bob to regulate the clock. The case is fitted with a bracket. The surfaces have been veneered and exhibit excellent figures. An acorn-shaped drop finial is positioned at the bottom of the case.
The movement is brass. It is weight-driven, retaining its original cast iron weight. This timepiece is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It is good quality.
This clock’s overhaul height is approximately 40 inches. Its case is 11.5 inches wide and 4.5 inches deep.
It was made circa 1830.
Inventory number 219082.
Enoch Titcomb was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1812, and died in Providence, Rhode Island, on February 4, 1887. He was listed in the Boston Directories as a clockmaker in 1835 and was then located at No. 37 Washington Street in Boston. He was briefly in business with William E. Evans as Evans & Titcomb. In 1840, he was living in Cambridge and was a member of The Grand Lodge. He moved to Providence in 1850 through 1864. While in Rhode Island, he was listed as a jeweler.
We have owned and sold several wall timepieces that were signed on the dial by this maker. Most of these were the Box Lyre wall clock form.
