Erastus Tracy and New London, Connecticut.

Erastus Tracy of Norwich and New London, Connecticut. Clockmaker and Silversmith.

Erastus Tracy was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on December 31, 1768, and died on August 17, 1796, in New London, Connecticut. His parents were Isaac and Elizabeth (Rogers) Tracy. He had an older brother, Gurdon (born 1767-1792), who was also a clockmaker. Erastus was trained as a clockmaker and silversmith, serving his apprenticeship under Thomas Harland of Norwich. This training started about 1781. Erastus advertised in the Norwich Packet on September 30, 1790, "The subscriber has lately opened a SHOP opposite Capt Jabez Perkins Store at Norwich Landing; where he carries on the CLOCK and WATCH making GOLDSMITH and JEWELLER'S business; those who please to favour him with their custom may depend on the strictest attention and dispatch by their humble servant. ERASTUS TRACY. Norwich Landing." About 1793, he moved to New London to work with his brother Gurdon, who had moved there in 1787. Erastus died in August of 1796 of consumption in New London.

Tall clocks are known. One signed painted dial example was advertised for sale in Antiques and Arts Weekly in 1980-81. The painted dial clock was signed by Erastus Tracy of Norwich (1768-1796 ). It was also inscribed with the following information on one of the winding drums: No. 53, dated 1795. We have seen a handful of tall clocks that we attribute to him as the Maker. One clock was engraved with the No. 2 on both winding drums and the movement's front and back plates. Several clocks have had their cases branded with the name of the Windham cabinetmaker A. D. Allen.

A tall clock made by Erastus Tracy is recorded as being in the Lyman Allen Art Museum collection in New London, Connecticut.

That clock was advertised for sale in Antiques and Arts Weekly in 1980 -81. It was also a painted dial clock signed by Erastus Tracy of Norwich (1768-1796 ). It was inscribed with the following information on one of the winding drums: No. 53, dated 1795.