Jacob Hostetter of Hanover, Pennsylvania (York County). Tall clock. 27202.
This walnut case clock has bold Germanic proportions and exhibits very good color. The finish has taken a deep shade of brown that is warm and inviting. This case stands on four boldly formed ogee bracket feet. The base features inset fluted quarter columns that terminate in turned wooden capitals. The base section is fitted with an inset panel. This decorative feature is trimmed with a border and a simple molded edge. The waist is long. Fluted quarter columns are fitted into the corners of the case. A large waist door is centered in this section. It is cross-banded with mahogany along the outer edge and framed with a cock beaded molding. The bonnet features a large double-stepped cornice molding. Four fully turned and fluted bonnet columns flank the sides of the case. The arched bonnet door opens to a nicely painted iron dial.
This iron dial is colorfully painted. The display of the hours and minutes is in a traditional format. The steel hands are unusual and are an interesting form. The subsidiary seconds dial, and calendar date are positioned within this time ring. This dial is signed “Jacob Hostetter, Hanover” below the calendar aperture. The floral decorations in each of the four spandrel areas are colorful. This dial also features a lunar calendar or moon phase mechanism in its arch.
The brass-constructed movement is weight-powered and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It is good quality. This clock will strike each hour on a bell. The striking system features a rack and snail design.
This clock was made circa 1800. It stands 7 feet 6 inches tall.
Inventory number 27202.
Jacob Hostetter is a listed Maker in the horological literature. Jacob was born on May 9th, 1754, near York, Pennsylvania. He died on June 29th, 1831, in New Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio. He attended the common schools of the day and served his apprenticeship in clockmaking to Richard Chester of Hanover, Pennsylvania. The town of Hanover was located on an important trade route to Baltimore, and Chester had an established business there. In 1784, Jacob is recorded as married and living on Frederick Street. In 1788, he was listed in the tax records as a clockmaker, and in 1797, Hostetter became a member of the General Assembly. His service lasted until 1802, and he served as a Democrat. From 1802 through 1823, he was listed as operating a brass foundry. He also served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1818 through 1821. In 1825, Hostetter moved from York County to Ohio. Numerous clocks have been recorded. Eight-day as well as 30-hour versions have been seen. A 30-hour example is in the Historical Society of Carroll County collection in Westminster, Maryland.
