William Cummens of Roxbury, Massachusetts. A wall timepiece or banjo clock. 214019.
This outstanding example is in wonderful original condition. The case is constructed in mahogany and appears to retain its original finish. The half-rounded frames are fitted with colorfully painted tablets. The side arms and bezel are cast in brass. The bezel is fitted with glass and is hinged on the right. It opens to access the painted iron dial and the hand-filed steel hour and minute hands. The time ring is marked out in Roman numerals. This dial is signed in by the Maker, "Warranted by Wm. Cummens" in script lettering. This signature is difficult to read as a result of cleaning. In good light, it jumps out at you. Behind the dial is a brass weight-driven movement. It is designed to run for eight days on a full wind and is powered by a lead weight. The pendulum features a brass-faced bob. A turned wooden finial in the form of an acorn surmounts the case.
This clock is 33 inches long and was made circa 1825.
For more information regarding William Cummens and wall timepieces, please read Paul J. Foley's book, "Willard's Patent Time Pieces."
Inventory number 214019.
William Cummens was born in 1768 and died on April 20, 1834, at the age of 66. He worked in Roxbury as a clockmaker as early as 1789. He was trained by Simon Willard, along with Elnathan Taber, Cummens stayed in Roxbury and worked alongside the Willard clockmaking family for many years. Based on the large number of clocks that have survived, they must have had an excellent relationship with one another. In this Roxbury location, Cummens had direct access to the same suppliers, such as case makers and dial painters, that the Willard family used. As a result, his clocks are nearly identical in form. Cummens was one of the first persons authorized by Simon Willard to manufacture the new Willard Patent Timepiece. Over the past 55-plus years of being in the business of buying and selling clocks, we have owned and sold a substantial number of tall case clocks, Massachusetts shelf clocks, and wall timepieces signed by this important clockmaker.
