George Coggeshall of Bristol, Rhode Island. "WARRANTED FOR DR. THOMAS NELSON / 1811." 213126.

This fine mahogany case tall clock was made by George Coggeshall of Bristol, Rhode Island. 

George Coggeshall made this clock for Dr. Thomas Nelson. Dr. Nelson is an interesting character. According to the Vital Records of Rhode Island 1636-1850, Dr. Thomas Nelson came to Bristol, RI, in 1801. He is credited as the originator of the First Baptist Church in Bristol. The story is told that in 1807, he left for New York on a packet. A terrific storm arose and wrecked the ship. All were lost except two, one of which was Dr. Nelson. This event made an impression on him that he felt himself to be another Jonah. Jonah is a biblical character that attempted in vain to flee from the presence of the Lord. Dr. Nelson returned to Bristol in 1810 and welcomed into the town a number of the same faith as himself. By 1811 approximately 23 members were living in Bristol, enough to constitute forming a church. This process began on August 22, 1811. Within a year, the congregation had almost doubled. Three members undertook the duties of preaching. Rev. Simon Coobs, Rev. James Winchell became the first pastor, Bishop Griswold, and President Messer of Brown University. At this time, the place of worship was at Dr. Nelson’s house, located on State Street. In November 1814, a building measuring approximately 45 feet by 65 feet was constructed to accommodate five hundred people. The building was finished with a stone edifice, and the interior room was tastefully frescoed and fitted with a fine organ. 

This attractive case is constructed in mahogany, and New England white pine is used as a secondary wood. The case stands on four nicely shaped ogee bracket feet. The base is lined inlaid with light wood stringing. This decorative detail is repeated in the waist door, which is trimmed with a cockbeaded molding. The waist section of the case is long and narrow and accentuates the narrow proportions of this form. The sides or front corners are fitted with fluted quarter columns that terminate in brass quarter capitals. The bonnet features a traditional New England fretwork pattern and is surmounted by three brass ball and spike finials. Fully turned and fluted bonnet columns are mounted in brass capitals. These flank the door. The bonnet door is arched and glazed. It opens to a nicely paint-decorated dial. 

The Maker signed the painted iron dial in a script font above the Roman hour numeral VI. The date 1811 is also included there. Above the winding arbors, the dial Reads “WARRANTED FOR DR. THOMAS NELSON." The time track is formatted in a traditional manner. The hours are marked with Roman-style numerals and Arabic-style five-minute markers. The four spandrel areas feature lacy gilt themes that center decorative medallions. In the arch is a patriotic view of Lady Liberty. She is standing. In her right hand is the E. Pluribus Unum eagle. It claws, clutching holly branches and several arrows. In her left hand is a staff. At the top, draped over the spear, is the liberty cap. This dial was painted in Boston by the Nolen & Curtis dial firm. They were well known for using brilliant colors. The dial is attached directly to the movement without using a false plate mounting system. 

This fine movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. Four-turned brass 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 will 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 clock was made in 1811 and stands approximately 7 feet 6.5 inches tall to the top of the center finial. 

This clock is inventory number 213126.