William Crane of Canton and Stoughton, Massachusetts.

Clockmaker, watchmaker, gunsmith and brass founder.

William Crane was born in Stoughton, Massachusetts on August 12, 1749 and died there on May 8, 1820. In about 1780, William moved to Canton, MA on Packeen Road now Dedham Street and and worked as a clockmaker, gunsmith and brass founder. He had at least four children. His son Simeon (1774-1821) was also a clockmaker. Two of William's daughters married the clockmaking brothers Henry and Elijah Morse. In 1808, Hannah Crane married Elijah Morse and Lucy Crane married Henry Morse Jr in 1809. The Morse brothers are thought to have apprenticed to Crane. In 1810, William's son Simeon may have been in business with his father in Canton.

Clocks From This Maker

William Crane, Canton, Massachusetts. A mahogany case tall case clock with a moonphase dial. 222030.

This fine example has very narrow proportions. The case is veneered in figured mahogany that exhibits lively grain patterns. The modern shellac finish is clean and consistent and accentuates the flowing grain in the wood. This case stands on four… read more

A fine and rare Federal mahogany and rosewood cross-banded tall case clock by William Crane, Canton, Mass, circa 1815. XXSL-33.

This is a handsome clock case. The case is nicely proportioned and was produced for the very Canton, Massachusetts clockmaker William Crane. This case is constructed in mahogany and was made locally, in Southeastern Massachusetts. Its formatting… read more

William Crane, Boston, Mass. A Fine mahogany cased wall timepiece made circa 1820. 221058.

This handsome timepiece is more commonly called a "Banjo" clock. It is a later version of the form and features a wooden bezel, half-round mahogany frames, and highly figured mahogany veneered wooden panels. The wooden panels were used in place of… read more