Reuben Tower, Hingham, Massachusetts. A cross-banded mahogany tall case clock. The case is attributed to Weymouth cabinetmaker Abiel White. XXSL-76.
This wonderful antique tall clock is one of two known examples of form by the prolific Quaker clockmaker Reuben Tower.
This exceptional example has outstanding proportions. The case is veneered in figured mahogany that exhibits excellent grain patterns. The first-period finish has darkened. Even still, the grain of the wood is still visible. The surface is consistent. The case stands on four cutout bracket feet. They are nicely formed, delicate, and have excellent height. Please take a look at the nicely shaped apron that transitions between the two front feet. The base features a beautifully figured mahogany veneered front panel. This panel is framed with a cross-banded border. The waist is long and narrow. A rectangular-shaped door is fitted into the center of this section. The door is trimmed with delicate applied molding along the perimeter. A cross-banded framing borders the vibrant selection of crotch mahogany. This is formatted vertically. Inset-reeded quarter columns are fitted into the front corners of this waist. These terminate in brass quarter capitals. Three finial plinths or chimneys surmount the hood or bonnet. Each supports a brass ball and spike finial. The plinths also help support a most attractive pierced and open fretwork pattern. Fretwork designs are traditionally found in New England. Fully turned and nicely reeded bonnet columns are mounted in brass capitals, and these flank the bonnet door. The bonnet or hood door is fitted with glass and opens to allow access the painted iron dial.
This dial is of Boston manufacture and was painted by the Curtis & Nolen firm of Boston circa 1820. It is skillfully decorated in bright colors and features traditional themes for this period. The four spandrel areas are decorated with urns. A colorfully lakeside scene is featured prominently in the lunette. It depicts a beautifully detailed lakeside cottage set in a mountainous region. The clockmaker below the calendar aperture enthusiastically signs this dial. It reads, "Rueben Tower / HINGHAM." The time track is formatted with Roman hour-style numerals. A dotted minute ring separates them from the Arabic-style quarter-hour markers. A subsidiary seconds dial is located below the hour numeral XII. This painted iron dial is attached directly to the movement without using a false plate.
This fine movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. Four-turned pillars support the two brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions and brass gearing. The winding drums are grooved. The escapement is designed as a recoil format. The movement is weight driven and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It is a two-train or a time-and-strike design having a rack and snail striking system. As a result, it will strike each hour on the hour. This is done on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement. The pendulum features a brass-faced bob.
This case measures approximately 7 feet 10 inches tall to the top of the center brass finial. It is 19.25 inches wide and 9 inches deep when measured at the bonnet.
This clock was made circa 1820.
Inventory number XXSL-76.
Reuben Tower was born in Hingham, Massachusetts, on July 3, 1795. His parents were Isaiah Tower (1766-1809) and Hannah Jacob (1771-1844). It is believed that he served his apprenticeship to Hingham Clockmaker and neighbor Joshua Wilder. He first worked in Hingham from about 1815 to 1821. While in Hingham, he married Rebecca Hathaway on December 2, 1819. Rueben Tower moved several times in his lifetime. In 1822, he was listed in the Plymouth County Deeds as Clockmaker living in Kingston. In 1826, he was listed as a Clockmaker working in Hanover, and then in 1830, as a Silversmith in this location. In 1831, he moved back to Hingham, where he died on October 27, 1881. A small number of clocks made by this maker have been found. Many of these are the dwarf form but also include tall clocks, wall timepieces, shelf clocks, and mirror clocks. Currently, the Hingham Public Library in Hingham, Massachusetts, is displaying a tall clock made by him.
