William Cummens of Roxbury, Massachusetts.

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.

Clocks From This Maker

William Cummens of Roxbury, Massachusetts. A mahogany case grandfather clock. PP-158.

This mahogany case example is very nicely proportioned and has a long history of ownership in the Roxbury Area. The fine mahogany case exhibits very good proportions. The layout of this case does not include richly-grained mahogany veneers or… read more

William Cummens grandfather clock with rocking ship dial. SS-9.

William Cummens of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Signed Spencer Nolen Rocking ship Dial number 17. SS-9.

This is a fine inlaid mahogany case tall clock exhibiting excellent proportions and a painted rocking ship dial signed by the Roxbury, Massachusetts Clockmaker, William Cummens. This is a very handsome example. The case exhibits an excellent choice… read more

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… read more

A gilt and rope framed wall timepiece or banjo clock attributed to William Cummens of Roxbury, MA. 214106.

The quintessential Massachusetts Timepiece of Boston origin. This banjo wall clock is unsigned but attributed to the Roxbury Maker, William Cummens. 214106.

This decorative Federal Massachusetts timepiece or "Banjo clock" was made in Boston circa 1815-1820. This clock was initially signed. Unfortunately, the signature has faded, and only the "Warranted" can be read. We have owned a couple of similar… read more

William Cummens of Roxbury, Massachusetts. An inlaid mahogany case tall clock with automated rocking ship dial of Boston origin. 214103.

This is an outstanding example. It features line inlays, cross-banding, and highly figured mahogany veneers. This tall case exhibits excellent proportions, superb wood selections, and a painted rocking ship dial that is signed by the Roxbury,… read more