David Williams of Newport and Providence, Rhode Island. Clockmaker, watchmaker, silversmith and jeweler.

David Williams was born in Rochester, Massachusetts, on March 29, 1769. His parents were John Williams (b. 1731- ) and Mary (Peckham) Williams of Middletown, RI (b. 1733-). David was a Quaker. It is not clear who trained David as a clockmaker. It is thought that he was at work in Newport by 1800. His shop was located on the corner of Duke and Queen Streets. In 1811, he moved his shop to the north side of Parade. This location was ten doors down above his old stand. This shop was most recently occupied by Zenas Fearing. In 1818, he moved again to 56 Broad Street. All the while, he must have had a retail outlet in Providence. He was one of, if not the most prolific Clockmakers in Rhode Island. We have owned many tall clocks, Massachusetts Shelf clocks, and other banjo clocks in the recent past. It is interesting to note that we know who made the banjo clock cases for Williams. A probate court record exists that indicates that John Young performed this service. David Williams died in Newport on June 29, 1823, at the age of 54.

Clocks From This Maker

David Williams of Newport Rhode Island. An inlaid mahogany cased shelf clock. QQ-62.

This Massachusetts Shelf Clock was made by David Williams of Newport, Rhode Island, circa 1815. The case is constructed in mahogany, mahogany veneers, maple string inlays, and New England white pine is used as a secondary wood. The case is standing… read more

David Williams of Newport, Rhode Island. An exceptional inlaid mahogany tall case clock. 217049.

David Williams of Newport, Rhode Island, made this fine cross-banded and finely inlaid mahogany case tall clock. Please note the exceptional woods used in the construction of this wonderful example. It is also worth pointing out the complexity of… read more

David Williams of Newport, Rhode Island. A fine and rare federal cross banded mahogany tall case clock.

This very attractive tall case clock is the epitome of the Newport Federal style. It is constructed with the highest quality of mahogany wood and veneers. This fine example shares the excellent form exhibited in the fashionable Roxbury style… read more

David Williams of Newport, Rhode Island. An attractive inlaid mahogany tall case clock. 220028

This finely inlaid mahogany case tall clock was made by David Williams of Newport, Rhode Island. The mahogany selected for the construction of this example exhibits long sweeping lines. The case has been recently refinished and the color is… read more

David Williams tall clock Newport, Rhode Island. II-72. Delaney Antique Clocks.

David Williams. A mahogany cased tall clock made in Newport, Rhode Island. II-72.

This case is primarily constructed in mahogany, and New England white pine is used as a secondary wood. The case stands on four nicely shaped or flared French feet. A nicely formed apron drops down from the center of the base panel. This panel is… read more