Joseph Mulliken (1787-1802) Concord, Massachusetts. An inlaid cherry case tall clock. 214126.
This is an important inlaid cherry case tall clock made by Joseph Mulliken of Concord, Massachusetts. This case exhibits a full compliment of inlays. It is somewhat unusual to have the base, waist, bonnet door and finial plinths decorated with inlay.
This fine cherry case example stands on four boldly formed applied ogee bracket feet. These are applied to a double stepped molding that is attached to the base. This base panel is decoratively formatted. Along the perimeter is a cross banded mahogany border. A delicate line inlaid box follows the mahogany framing. The four interior corners of the line inlaid box are fitted with shaded quarter fans. These are fully framed in an additional light inlay line pattern. This interesting design element is repeated in the construction of the waist door. In the center of the base panel is a line inlaid oval. The oval features a wonderfully figured selection of wood. The waist section is long and accentuates the fine proportions of this case. The side of the waist or front corners are fitted with fluted quarter columns that terminate in brass quarter capitals. The open fretwork style bonnet is surmounted with three brass ball and spiked finials. These are positioned on line inlaid plinths. The bonnet features a line inlaid arched door that is fitted with glass. Please note the repetition of this design element in this location. The lower corners of the door also feature quarter fans. The free standing bonnet columns are fluted and terminate in brass capitals. They visually support the hand molded arch.
The dial is colorfully painted and is signed by the Maker, "Joseph Mulliken \/ Concord" below the calendar aperture. This signature is excellent original condition. The floral decorations are colorfully formatted and lack the traditional gilt boarders found on so many other painted dials. The display of the time and date are done so in a traditional format.
The movement is brass, eight-day duration and of good quality. This clock will strike the hour on the hour on a bell. The movement is weight powered and good quality.
This wonderful example was made circa 1790. It stands approximately 92 (7 feet 8 inches) inches tall, 20 inches wide and 9.5 inches deep.
Inventory number 214126.
Joseph Mulliken was born in Lexington, Massachusetts, on April 9th, 1765. He is the son of Nathaniel Mulliken and Lydia Stone. As a result, he is a third-generation clockmaker. The Mulliken family has a long history of making clocks in America stretching back to his great uncle Jonathan Mulliken born about 1701 in Newburyport. Joseph is the first recorded clockmaker to live in work in Concord. He moved to Concord in 1787 and worked there until 1802. He lived in the center of town and became involved in local affairs.
David Wood of the Concord Museum reports that approximately 20 tall case clocks are known. The fancier of the cases are thought to have been made by Ammi White, who was born in Concord in 1754 and was at work there from 1790 through 1802.
