James Ro(d)gers. New York, New York. A tall case clock. 2471.
This beautiful figured mahogany case tall clock is delicately lined inlaid and made in New York City. This intricate case design is typical of some of the finest New York furniture forms of the period. The exceptional woods used in the construction of this case and the fine craftsmanship are first-rate and command your attention in this case design.
This case stands on carved paw feet, which are applied to the bottom of the base. They are unusual and are original to this clock. Interestingly, we have recently owned two other clocks that share this same design. The base panel features a cross-banded border on the outside edge. Two crotch-veneered panels are separated and highlighted by satinwood line inlaid frames. The panels feature a fiery-grained veneer. The waist is fitted with a nicely shaped door, an applied Irish panel, and decorative mounting blocks for the fully turned and heavily carved waist columns. Satinwood line inlays border all six panels and feature the best-grained mahogany selections. The bonnet features a swan's neck pediment form. The arched pediment is supported by fully turned and carved columns positioned on either side of the arched bonnet door. The door is glazed and opens to a colorfully painted dial.
This dial features small, colorful geometric fans in the spandrel areas. There is also a floral detail in this location. In the arch, one will find a country scene. It is also signed by the Clockmaker in the center, "Jas. Rodgers, New York."
The time & strike weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and designed to run eight days on a full wind. It is good quality.
This clock was made circa 1830 and stands 7 feet 7 inches tall.
Inventory number 2471
James Rodgers is a listed as a Clockmaker in several references. Sonya L. & Thomas J. Spitler and Chris H. Bailey lists him in their book, American Clocks Volume 3. American Clockmakers & Watchmakers. A more complete listing can be found in the June 1992 NAWCC Bulletin. Most of the information listed below was research by Fred Shelly (CT).
James Rodgers was born in Scotland in 1801. It appears he was trained in Scotland as a clockmaker before he immigrated to New York City in 1822. He is listed as having several working locations. Some of which include Chatham Street, two locations on Broadway, one at number 410 and the other nearer Canal Street and lastly on the corner of Fulton and Williams Street. Rodgers lists of accomplishments include some fifty tower clocks which include the clock built for the Trinity Church and the example installed in the front entrance of Grand Central Depot in NYC (Both of which have since been replaced), numerous ships clocks and several tall case clocks. Both painted and engraved dial examples have been seen to date. Rodgers was also the first manufacturer of Morse Telegraph instruments. Rodgers died in 1878.
