Joseph N. Dunning of Concord, Massachusetts, and Burlington, Vermont. Clockmaker & Silversmith. A girandole wall clock. XXSL-15.
Joseph N. Dunning of Burlington, Vermont, made this very interesting wall timepiece. This example is signed in a script format on the painted iron dial.
In 1802, Lemuel Curtis was listed as an apprentice of the Willards working in Boston. In 1811, he moved to Concord, Massachusetts, and set up shop as a Clockmaker specializing primarily in constructing timepieces. Over the years, he made many improvements in the Willards original design. An example is the single screw movement mounting system and changes to the clocks suspension. His ultimate achievement would have to be the design of this unique girandole timepiece form, for which he was granted a patent on July 12, 1816. However, this clock may not have been a financial success. This is based on the small number of examples that exist today. Most of these are in the collections of the country's best museums. Many individuals and some companies have since made reproductions of this form. Some of which include The Waltham Clock Company, Ted Burleigh, Elmer Stennes, and Foster Campos.
A few variants exist that his partner Joseph N. Dunning made exist. We are familiar with at most six examples. Dunning's version differs from the Curtis model in that they feature woodwork that is not gilded, and the frames are fitted with wooden panels instead of the skillfully paint-decorated tablets that are found in the Curtis examples. These Vermont-made clocks were most likely made after the Curtis & Dunning partnership dissolved in 1832. It is interesting to note that it was during this later period that Dunning came up with several clock designs that featured an all-wood presentation.
This case is constructed in mahogany and New England white pine. The case features traditional girandole proportions. It measures approximately 44 inches long and is 12.25 inches wide and 4.25 inches deep. A wonderfully carved wooden presentation bracket is applied to the bottom of the case. The applied sidearms and the flame-style finial also feature carved elements. The dial bezel, throat frame, and lower door frame are wood. The throat and the lower door are fitted with figured panels. Both panels exhibit a lively grain pattern. The throat sections slightly tapers towards the head of the case. The wooden dial bezel is fitted with glass. It is hinged and opens to access the painted iron dial.
This dial features Roman-style hour numerals and a closed time or minute ring. This dial measures approximately 10.5 inches in diameter. It is signed by the clockmaker in a script format. The signature reads, "J. N. Dunning."
Behind the dial is a brass-constructed weight-driven movement. It is designed to run for eight days and is a timepiece. The pendulum bob is supported by a steel rod. The bob is faced in brass.
This clock measures approximately 44 inches long and was made circa 1832.
Inventory number XXSL-15.
Joseph N. Dunning was born in Brunswick, Maine, on January 2nd, 1795, and died in Burlington, Vermont, on December 14th, 1841. He was first a journeyman working for Lemuel Curtis in Concord before they formed an informal partnership before 1820. In 1821, they formally advertised their partnership, and both men moved to Burlington, Vermont. It was during this period Burlington was experiencing an economic boom. There, they became two of Vermont's most prolific manufacturers of wall timepieces. They also sold watches and jewelry. In 1832, the partnership dissolved, and Dunning continued to work on his own. He died bankrupt at the age of 46.
For a further discussion on Vermont-made timepieces and the clockmaker Joseph Dunning, please read Paul Foley's book, "Willard's Patent Timepieces."
