Nathaniel Edwards Jr., of Acton, Massachusetts. A cherry cased tall clock. GG-225.
This fine example exhibits excellent proportions and is constructed in cherry. The case retains an older finish that has mellowed considerably over the years. Attached to the bottom of the base are the four original ogee bracket feet. These are well-formed, with nicely shaped knees and aggressively hooked spurs. The waist section is long and narrow. Centered here is a large, tombstone-shaped waist door that provides access to the clock's two drive weights and the brass-faced pendulum bob. Inset fluted quarter columns are fitted into the front corners of the waist. These terminate in brass quarter capitals and bases. The molded arched bonnet is surmounted with a lovely, pierced, and open fretwork design. This pattern is, to date, unique. I have not seen this version before. The three fluted plinths each support a decorative brass finial. The bonnet door is arched and fitted with glass. Fully turned and fluted bonnet columns flank the sides of the hood door. The two hood columns are mounted in brass Doric capitals and bases. Rectangular, glass-sided sidelights are featured on the sides of the hood.
This twelve-inch iron dial is painted in bright colors. It was locally made and painted by an unidentified artist. Interestingly, several of the other Edwards clocks we know of also featured a painted dial by the same hand. The dial design is well executed and is signed on the front in script lettering “Nath. Edwards / ACTON.” The four corners or spandrel areas are decorated with flowers. Interestingly, the spandrel decorations are not framed with lacy gilt patterns like the English dials of the period. A moon-phase or lunar-calendar display is located in the lunette. The colors used on this almanac are very unusual. The artist chose to replace the typical hemisphere decorations with painted nautically themed scenes. The time track is formatted with Arabic-style five-minute markers. A dotted minute ring separates the five-minute markers from the large Roman-style hour numerals. The subsidiary seconds dial and month calendar are located in their traditional locations.
The clock works, or the movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. It is weight-driven and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The movement has recently been serviced and is in fine running condition, ensuring its operational reliability for potential buyers and collectors.
Overall height is 7 feet 10.5 inches.
This clock was made circa 1795.
Inventory number GG-225.
Nathaniel Edwards Jr. was born in Acton on September 19, 1770, to Nathaniel and Hannah (Prescott) Edwards. His working dates are listed from 1791 to 1800. Nathaniel worked in his father’s house, which still stands today. It is located at 328 Pope Road, which is near the Concord line. Nathaniel Edwards married Hannah Prescott in Acton on January 11, 1750.
Very few clocks made by this Maker have been found, and to date, those that have are of the tall case form. Two of these are on public display. A very good example is currently on display at Gleason Library in Carlisle, MA. In 1993, the Concord Antiquarian Museum received a tall clock made by this Maker as a gift. That clock is reported to have been originally purchased by Nathan Brooks (1785-1863). He was a lawyer, legislator, and philanthropist. He was also a Whig, and his wife was an Abolitionist. Brooks lived where the present library is situated today. This is on the corner of Main Street and Sudbury Road. This clock was purchased by the Richardson family from the Brooks estate in 1881 for $75. It is a descendant of this family that donated the clock.
