Simon Willard of Roxbury, MA. A monumental clock. Inlaid mahogany case attributed to John and Thomas Seymour of Charlestown. XX-28.
This is an important Hepplewhite tall case clock with a painted dial signed by America's most famous clockmaker Simon Willard working in Roxbury, Massachusetts. This inlaid mahogany case is built to a monumental scale and suggests that it was specially ordered for a wealthy client. The cabinet is attributed to the Boston cabinetmakers John & Thomas Seymour. This wonderful clock was made circa 1810 and stands approximately 9 feet 6 inches (114 inches) tall to the top of the center finial. This is a very impressive height.
This veneered and inlaid mahogany case is attributed to John and/or Thomas Seymour of Boston, Massachusetts. It exhibits excellent proportions. The base proudly stands on an applied bracket base that features four large flared French feet. Please note the subtle shaping or flare incorporating small pads into the form. These feet are gently splayed in a manner consistent with the Seymour's construction techniques. The feet and the central drop apron are visually separated from the base by a diminutive cove molding that steps back to the base section. The front of the base panel is veneered with a highly figured selection of crotch mahogany. An inlaid framing of mahogany and light wood stringing defines a cross-banded outer border. The waist is long and features a rectangular-shaped waist door. This door provides access to the interior of the case, where one will find a brass-covered pendulum bob and two tin can weights. This door is fitted with an applied molding along the outer edge. The center of the door is veneered with a figured panel of mahogany, and the outer edge is cross-banded. A light wood panel is fitted in the sections above and below the door. The honey color of this selection of veneer contrasts nicely with the rich, warm color of mahogany. The sides of the case are fitted with finely reeded quarter columns. These terminate in brass quarter capitals. The columns are visually supported by panels that feature the signature lunette inlay pattern that is associated with the Seymour shop. The bonnet features an open fretwork pattern that is a fancy/lacy design. The supporting plinths are inlaid with additional light wood panels. Each is also fitted with a cap at the top and is surmounted with three cast brass finials. The center final is in the form of a dove. Fully turned and finely reeded bonnet columns support the upper bonnet molding. These are mounted in brass capitals, the top two in a Corinthian form. The columns flank the bonnet or hood door. The arched bonnet door is decoratively lined inlaid, and the opening is fitted with glass. It is interesting to note that the mask board is trimmed with a brass border.
This colorfully painted iron dial was manufactured in England by the Wilson firm. It is fitted with a false plate and is signed at the top. The dial is oversized, measuring 14 inches across and almost 19.75 inches in height. In the arch or lunette of this dial, one will find the automated feature of a moon phase or lunar calendar. The four spandrel areas are decorated with colorfully painted floral themes. The hours are indicated by large Roman-style numerals. The five-minute markers are each indicated in an Arabic format. A subsidiary seconds dial and a calendar dial are displayed in the traditional locations and indicated by separate hands. This dial is signed by the clockmaker, "S. Willard," in block lettering.
The weight-driven 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 which is mounted above the movement.
For a more in-depth study on the Seymour Brothers, please read THE FURNITURE MASTERWORKS OF JOHN & THOMAS SEYMOUR written by Robert D. Mussey Jr.
Inventory number XX-28.
Simon Willard was born in Grafton, Massachusetts, on April 3, 1753. He was the seventh of twelve children born to Benjamin Willard (1716-1775) and Sarah (Brooks) Willard (1717-1775) of Grafton. While living in Grafton, Simon answered the Lexington alarm on April 19, 1775, along with his brothers. It is thought that by 1782 he moved from Grafton and took up residence in Roxbury as a Clockmaker. Simon became a Master Clockmaker as well as an inventor. He is well known for receiving patents for his roasting jack in 1782, his "Improved Timepiece" or Banjo clock in 1802, and an alarm clock patent. In addition, he trained many men to make clocks who became well-known Clockmakers once their apprenticeships were served. Some of them include the brothers Levi and Able Hutchins, Elnathan Taber, William Cummens, Ezekiel Jones and Daniel Munroe. Some of the more notable public clocks Simon built include the clock in the United States Capitol building's Statuary Hall. He also built a clock for the House of Representatives and the U. S. Senate. Simon died on August 30, 1848, at the age of 95.
