James Doull of Charlestown, Massachusetts. An inlaid mahogany tall case clock. Case attributed to the Stephen Badlam school of cabinetmaking. FFF-16.
An important Hepplewhite tall case clock with an automated lunar calendar painted dial signed by James Doull of Charlestown, Massachusetts. The construction and design of the inlaid mahogany case is attributed to the Dorchester school of cabinetmakers, of which Stephen Badlam is the master.
The colorfully painted 13-inch iron dial is of local origin and was painted by the Boston ornamental artists Spencer Nolen & Samuel Curtis. Similar dials are known, with this artist's signature on the back of the dial. The clockmaker signs this example, "James Doull," in script lettering across the center of the dial. His work location, "CHARLESTOWN," is written in block letters and positioned below the calendar. In the arch of this dial, one will find a lunar calendar or a moon phase display. This automated feature is designed to track the phases of the moon. The lunar calendar is approximately 29.5 days. Two painted scenes oppose each other on the disk between the moons. The first is nautical, depicting a sailboat out at sea. The second scene is on the coast. A tower is the most prominent feature. It may be a lighthouse of some form. The two painted moons separate these scenes. The four spandrel areas are decorated with colorful geometric patterns—the use of red and yellow contrasts nicely. The time ring features Arabic five-minute markers that are separated from the Roman-style hour numerals by a slashed minute ring. A subsidiary seconds dial and a calendar display are included. The hands are nicely formed and filed from steel.
The weight-driven movement is brass construction, eight-day duration, and of good quality. This clock is designed to strike each hour on a bell mounted above the movement on a bell stand.
This inlaid mahogany case is attributed to the Badlam school of cabinetmakers, who were working in Dorchester, Massachusetts. This attribution is based on the complexity of the case design. It exhibits excellent masculine proportions. The base proudly stands on four applied ogee bracket feet. A double-step molding transitions this component into the case's structure. The base panel is veneered with several highly figured mahogany selections. The perimeter is broadly cross-banded. The waist is long and features a rectangular waist door. This door provides access to the interior of the case, where one will find a brass-covered pendulum bob and two red-painted tin can weights. This door is fitted with an applied molding along the outer edge. The center of the door is veneered with a figured panel of mahogany, and the outer edge is cross-banded. The front corners of the waist are fitted with finely reeded quarter columns. These terminate in brass quarter capitals and bases. Beneath them are satinwood stiles. The bonnet features an open fretwork design that is surmounted by three brass finials. These finals are incredible. The lower third of the fretwork is original to this clock. The lacy pattern has been restored with an appropriate pattern. The arched bonnet door is decoratively lined inlaid, and the opening is fitted with glass. Fully turned and reeded bonnet columns support the upper bonnet molding.
This remarkable clock, a product of the early 19th century, was crafted circa 1810.
Standing at an impressive 8 feet tall, it serves as a tangible link to a bygone era, making it a must-have for history enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Inventory number FFF-16.
James Doull was born in Scotland in 1785 and immigrated to Boston in 1806 at the age of 29. A year later, Doull was listed in Boston's 1807 tax records as a journeyman working for Aaron Willard. This notation suggests that Doull came to this country already trained and highly skilled. Because he is listed for only one year in Boston, it is assumed he moved to Charlestown shortly after this date. There is evidence in the form of clocks that he worked in Charlestown as a clockmaker. In 1823, Doull relocated to Pennsylvania and settled in Philadelphia. In this city, he is listed as having several addresses over the years. In 1823, he resided at 112 High. In 1825, Doull moved to No. 3 Castle. From 1828 through 1833, he was on the southeast corner of South and Spruce. From 1835 through 1849, he was at the southeast corner of 4th and Spruce. Lastly, in 1856, Doull moved to South 4th and stayed there until 1856.
Over the years, we have owned a dozen or more tall case clocks, several shelf clocks, and a small number of timepieces made by this fine and talented clockmaker. The vast majority of the known clocks to us were of Massachusetts origin. One tall clock with the place location signed "Philadelphia" is also known. James Doull's most famous clock is in the White House Collection in Washington, DC. This clock is often displayed in the Oval Office. It features a painted dial and a high-quality case that is attributed to the Seymour Brothers cabinetmaking firm, which was also located in Charlestown.
