James Doull of Charlestown, Massachusetts.

James Doull was born in Scotland in 1785 and immigrated to the United States, Boston, in 1806 at the age of 29. In 1807, he was listed in the Boston tax records as working as a journeyman working for the Boston clockmaker Aaron Willard. This suggests that he came to this country already trained and highly skilled. Because he is listed for only one year in Boston, it is assumed he moved to Charlestown shortly after this date. In 1823, Doull moved to Pennsylvania and took up residence in Philadelphia. In this city, he is listed as having several addresses over the years. In 1823, he resided at 112 High. In 1825, Doull moved to No. 3 Castle. From 1828 through 1833, he was on the southeast corner of South and Spruce. From 1835 through 1849, he was at the southeast corner of 4th and Spruce. Lastly, in 1856, Doull moved to south 4th and stayed there until 1856.

Over the years, we have owned a dozen or more tall case clocks, several shelf clocks, and a small number of timepieces made by this fine and talented clockmaker. The vast majority of the known clocks to us were of Massachusetts origin. One tall clock with the place location signed "Philadelphia" is also known. James Doull's most famous clock is in the White House Collection in Washington, DC. This clock is frequently on display in the Oval Office. It features a signed painted dial and a case that is attributed to the Seymour Brothers cabinetmaking firm.

Clocks From This Maker

James Doull tall clock. Charlestown, Massachusetts. Cabinetmakers John & Thomas Seymour of Charlestown. 212045.

An important Hepplewhite tall case clock with an automated rocking ship painted dial signed by James Doull of Charlestown, Massachusetts. The inlaid mahogany case is attributed to the Boston cabinetmakers John & Thomas Seymour and is pictured in… read more

James Doull of Charlestown, Massachusetts. An inlaid mahogany tall case clock. Case attributed to the Stephen Badlam school of cabinetmaking. 216031.

This is an important Hepplewhite tall case clock with a painted dial signed by the Charlestown, Massachusetts clockmaker, James Doull. This inlaid mahogany case is attributed to the Dorchester school of cabinetmakers, of which Stephen Badlam… read more

James Doull of Charlestown, Massachusetts. A cross-banded mahogany case tall clock with a moon phase dial. PP-159.

This is a fine cross-banded mahogany tall case clock with a painted dial signed by James Doull of Charlestown, Massachusetts. The colorfully painted 13-inch iron dial is of local origin and was most likely painted by the Boston ornamental artists… read more

James Doull of Charlestown, Massachusetts tall clock. 218020

James Doull of Charlestown, Massachusetts. A cross-banded mahogany cased tall clock. The Boston painted dial featuring a tumbled numbers. 218020.

This is an important Hepplewhite tall case clock with an automated lunar calendar painted dial signed by James Doull of Charlestown, Massachusetts. The colorfully painted 13-inch iron dial is of local origin and was painted by the Boston artists… read more