Silas Hoadley, Plymouth, Connecticut. A grain-painted tall case clock. VV-99.
Here is an excellent example of a wooden works tall clock made by Silas Hoadley of Plymouth, Connecticut.
The construction of this wooden geared tall clock movement is typical of the standard form that one would expect from this prolific Clockmaker. The plates used in the construction of this movement are oak. The movement is a standard two-train design. Both of which are powered by weights. This mechanism is driven by raising the weights by pulling on cords inside the case. Because the movement is designed to run for approximately 30 hours, winding should be done once a day. The strike train features a count wheel striking system. The count wheel is located on the back plate. This clock will strike each hour on a cast-iron bell mounted above the movement.
The standard-sized arched wooden dial is nicely painted. All the various decorations are raised with applied gesso, highlighted in gilt paint. The spandrels are decorated with colorful floral themes. In the arch is the E. Pluribus Unum symbol of the American Eagle with outstretched wings, clutching several arrows and olive branches in its claws. The American shield is in front of the eagle's breast. The thirteen stars, one star for each state, surround the bird's head. This national symbol represents unity. The hours are marked with Roman-style hour numerals. This dial also displays the seconds and calendar day via subsidiary hands and dials located within the time track.
The case is constructed in New England white pine. The outer surfaces are painted in black and red. The paint pattern used simulates the grain of mahogany and is in good original condition. There are some areas of minor loss. These are somewhat confined to the lower right side of the hood. A coat of shellac applied over the paint has now developed a nicely textured surface reminiscent of an alligator's skin in some areas. This case stands on a simple bracket base with shaped cutout feet. The waist is long and narrow, featuring a rectangular-shaped waist door. The door provides access to the cabinet's interior. This clock is wound from this location. The bonnet features a New England-style fretwork pattern in the form of arches. Three wooden finial plinths or chimneys support it. The bonnet door is fitted with glass and flanked by smoothly turned free-standing bonnet columns.
This example stands approximately 86 or 7 feet 2 inches tall to the top of the arches. The lower bonnet molding, which exhibits the largest dimensions of the case, measures 18.75 inches in width and 10 inches in depth.
This clock was made circa 1815.
Silas Hoadley, a prominent figure in the world of clockmaking, was born in 1786 and passed away in Plymouth, CT, in 1870. He began his journey in clockmaking under the tutelage of his uncle Samuel, and by 1808, he was already making clocks. He later became associated with renowned clockmakers Eli Terry and Seth Thomas, eventually purchasing their shares of the business. Hoadley was known for his innovative designs, such as the 'Upside down' style used in a number of shelf clocks. In 1849, he retired a wealthy man, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional craftsmanship.
Inventory number VV-99.
Silas Hoadley was born in Bethany, Connecticut, on January 31, 1786. He was the son of Ammi Hoadley and Amy (Thompson) Hoadley. He first apprenticed as a joiner to his uncle Calvin Hoadley. Along with Seth Thomas, he was hired in about 1808, at the age of 21, by Eli Terry to set up and work at Terry's Ireland factory in order to fulfill the Porter contract. Shortly after Terry's Porter Contract was satisfied, he and Seth Thomas bought the Ireland factory from Terry. Thomas & Hoadley continued to manufacture wooden geared tall clock movements until 1813, when Silas purchased Seth Thomas's business shares. Hoadley soon transitioned to shelf clocks, manufacturing movements of his own design. The "Upside down" style is one of the more unique examples. This movement placed the great wheels at the top of the movement. Its escapewheel was mounted at the bottom of the works between the plates. He is also thought to have introduced the use of ivory bushings in movement design. In the late 1830s, Silas transitioned to manufacturing brass movements. He retired in 1849 as a wealthy man, a testament to his hard work and dedication. Silas Hoadley died on December 28, 1870, in Plymouth, Conn.
