Ephraim Downs of Bristol, Conn. Stenciled Column Stenciled Splat. Large version. UU-42.
This is a very good example. The form is called a stenciled column and splat shelf clock. It represents the transition in case styles away from the very popular pillar & scroll and transitional shelf clock forms. This mahogany case retains its original finish. The upper door cross member has some losses or wear. The splat is held or is supported by two plinths. The interior edges have been stressed. The shaped columns and splat retain their original stencil decorations, which are in excellent original condition. It is common for this artwork to have been worn away. That is not the case in this example. The details can be seen from across the room. The colorfully painted tablets are also original to the clock. They are bright and attract your attention. The woman featured in the larger tablet is depicted with a pleasing smile, a fancy hairstyle, and lovingly holding a cat in her arms. Minor paint loss to the border does not detract from the overall presentation. The wooden dial is in excellent condition. The Arabic hour numerals are large and easy to read. The gesso and gilt work feature traditional designs. The time and strike wooden geared 30-hour weight-driven movement is in good working order. The Maker's label is pasted onto the inside of the backboard. This is also in very good overall condition.
This clock was made circa 1830. It is approximately 34.75 inches tall, 5.5 inches deep, and 16 inches wide.
Inventory number UU-42.
Ephraim Downs was born in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, on December 20, 1787, and died in Bristol, Connecticut, on December 8, 1860. He was the son of David and Mary Chatterton Downs and had a brother Anson who was a Carpenter.
Ephraim was known to have made wooden geared tall clock movements as early as 1811 in Waterbury, Connecticut. He made movements for Lemuel Harrison & Co and later Clark, Cook & Co. In April 1815, Ephraim traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio, and worked for Read & Watson and then others. He returned to Plymouth, Connecticut, in about 1816, when he went to work with Silas Hoadley, Eli Terry, and Seth Thomas. In 1822 he married Chloe Painter, thus becoming the brother-in-law of Silas Hoadley. He was in business with himself in 1823 and then With George Mitchell in Bristol, CT, in 1825. Ephraim became very successful.
