Stephenson, Howard & Davis of Boston, Massachusetts. A gallery wall clock. TT-114.

This important gilded case Gallery Clock was made by the firm of Stephenson, Howard & Davis in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1848. 

The true weight-driven gallery wall clock form is rarely offered for public sale. The vast majority of these clocks were initially sold to public halls, meeting places, and houses of worship. They are usually prized possessions purchased initially by the members or perhaps donated to the organization by a wealthy patron. As a result, this usually means that these clocks became an asset of the organization. As a result, it should take the vote of a committee to deaccession them. In many institutions, this is a challenging proposition. Therefore, this is a rare opportunity to purchase such a clock. 

This outstanding example measures approximately 31 inches in diameter. The case is gilded and is in excellent condition. 

The wooden mahogany dial measures approximately 22 inches in diameter. This is a convex form. In fact, it is a wooden board with its edges planed thin. This tapering detail adds to the three-dimensional quality of the clock case. The dial is then fitted into a shallow recess and is held in place with brass screws. This dial retains its original paint. The clockmaker signs it, “Stephenson, Howard & Davis / Boston,” in bold block lettering just below the center arbor. The Roman hour numerals are large and easy to read. The quarter hours are marked with Arabic figures. The two wonderfully shaped steel hands indicate the time. Both hands appear to be original to this example. 

The brass-constructed movement is located behind the dial. Long trapezoidal-shaped plates frame the works. The front plate bears the Maker’s die stamp. It reads, “Stephenson / Howard & / Davis / BOSTON.” The movement is weight driven and designed to run eight days on a full wind. The gears are nicely made, and the quality is excellent throughout. The large minute hand is counterbalanced by a weight positioned behind the backplate. One can see the circular grove in the backboard that it travels in. The pendulum features a brass-covered bob. The timing is adjustable from the top of the movement via a post that pierces the dial. 

This very rare and important clock was made in 1845.

Inventory number TT-114.