Simon Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts. A cross-banded tall case clock. UU-64.
This Simon Willard tall case clock is a very late example for this Maker. The case is fabulous and exhibits excellent proportions. It is constructed with the finest mahogany veneers. The case measures approximately 7 feet 11 inches or 95 inches tall to the top of the center finial, 19 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. The dial measures 12 inches across.
The case is elevated on four applied French feet. The feet are very nicely shaped, exhibiting a subtle flare in the form that is joined with a sweeping drop apron. This element is applied to the base or the bottom of the case. A broad satinwood banding frames the base section. This lighter wood is richly figured and contrasts with the darker center panel of mahogany. The rectangular waist door is formatted in a similar manner. The veneer selected for this location is also a vibrant crotch pattern that is vertically positioned. This panel is also framed with a cross-banded satinwood border. The outer edge of the door is trimmed with applied molding that frames it. One would open this door in order to gain access to the two tin can drive weights and the brass-faced pendulum bob. The sides of the waist or case are fitted with brass stop-fluted quarter columns terminating in brass quarter capitals. Rectangular-shaped satinwood panels are positioned under each quarter column. The bonnet features a traditional New England-style pierced and open fretwork pattern. This is supported by three fluted plinths that are surmounted by three brass ball and spike finials. Fully turned and brass stop fluted bonnet columns visually support the upper bonnet molding. They are mounted in brass capitals and are free-standing. The sides of the bonnet feature tombstone-shaped side lights. The arched bonnet door is fitted with glass and opens to access the painted iron dial.
The Clockmaker signs this dial in a large flowing script; it reads “Simon Willard.” The signature is positioned below the calendar aperture. The four spandrel areas are decorated with bird themes. The birds appear to be pheasants. Depicted in the arch is a wire basket that is filled with fruit and flowers. These painted designs are presented in multiple shades of grays, browns, black and gilt paint. The unusual colors are actually very successfully presented. The time ring is formatted with Arabic hour numerals and Arabic-style five-minute markers. The minute ring is divided by slashes. A subsidiary seconds dial and calendar date display are located in the traditional positions. The hands are very well formed and feature a heart in their design.
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.
This beautiful clock was made circa 1815. It stands approximately 7 feet 11 inches tall to the top of the center finial. It is 19 inches wide and 10 inches deep.
Inventory number UU-64.
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.
