Aaron Willard cross-banded mahogany tall case clock featuring a rocking ship dial and a Revere set up label. YY-60.

This important cross-banded mahogany-cased tall clock was made by Aaron Willard of Boston, Massachusetts. This example features an automated dial in the form of a rocking ship and the Clockmaker’s original setup label printed by Paul Revere.

Aaron Willard was born in Grafton, Massachusetts, on October 13, 1757. Little is known of his early life. We assume that in this small village, he first learned clock-making skills from his older brothers Benjamin and Simon at the family’s homestead. It is recorded that he marched with both of them in response to the Lexington Alarm on April 19, 1775. In 1780, Aaron and his brother Simon moved from Grafton to Roxbury and eventually established independent businesses. They chose a location in Roxbury Village at the crossroads from Boston to Plymouth, Dedham, and Cambridge. Here, the two brothers established a reputation for themselves as fine clock manufacturers. In addition, they were both responsible for training many apprentices. Many of these became famous clockmakers in their own right. The Willards dominated the clock-making industry in the Boston area during the first half of the nineteenth century. Aaron relocated his shop about a quarter mile from Simon’s shop across the Boston line in about 1792. Aaron is listed in the 1798 Boston directory as a clockmaker “on the Neck,” his large shop employed up to 30 people, while 21 other clockmakers, cabinetmakers, dial and ornamental painters, and gilders worked within a quarter-mile radius by 1807. We have owned many tall case clocks made by this important Maker. In addition, we have also owned a good number of wall timepieces in the form of banjo clocks and numerous Massachusetts shelf clock forms.

This is a classic Boston example. This case exhibits excellent long, narrow proportions constructed by the Roxbury school of cabinetmakers. This case features excellent mahogany wood selections, cross-banding, and a period finish. It measures approximately 8 feet 3.5 inches or 99.5 inches tall to the top of the center finial, 20 inches wide, and almost 10 inches deep. The dial measures the standard 13 inches across.

This mahogany case stands on four nicely formed flared French feet. The feet and drop apron are visually separated from the base with delicate applied molding. The base panel is cross-banded in mahogany and features an excellent selection of crotch mahogany veneer. This panel is positioned in a vertical format. The rectangular waist door is constructed similarly. The outer edge is fitted with an applied molding that frames the door. One would open this door to access the inside of the case. Here, the original wooden pendulum rod, brass-faced bob, rating nut, and the two red painted or Japanned tin can weights. On the back of this door is the Maker’s setup label. This version is associated with being engraved by the American Patriot Paul Revere. This version also instructs the buyer to “put the clock in a case.” This suggests that this example was shipped away from the Boston area and that the case and movement were packed separately. Very few Willard clocks retain their original setup labels, and as a result, this is a wonderful and important additional detail. The sides of the waist or case are fitted with boldly reeded quarter columns. These terminate in brass quarter capitals. The bonnet features a traditional New England style pierced and open fretwork design. Three reeded and capped plinths support this. Each plinth is surmounted by a brass finial. The finials are cast in brass and in the form of an urn, and an American eagle is perched atop the urn. The eagle is clutching a sprig of holly in its beak. Fully turned and reeded bonnet columns visually support the upper bonnet molding. They are mounted in brass capitals and are free-standing. The sides of the bonnet are fitted with rectangular-shaped side lights with glass. The arched bonnet door is fitted with glass and opens to access the colorfully painted iron dial. 

Boston ornamental artist Spencer Nolen painted and decorated this iron dial. The four spandrel areas are nicely decorated. Lacy gilt patterns frame an oval shape that features a colorful pinwheel design. The petals of the pinwheel alternate in a combination of red and green colors. The automated feature of a rocking ship is located in the arch of this dial. The painted ship is depicted flying the American flag. This ship is cut from tin and moves or gently rocks from side to side with the pendulum’s motion. The painted scene behind the sailing ship is quite interesting. It includes a large American fortification built high on a rocky point. The fort is flying an American flag. A lighthouse is also depicted prominently in this scene. Several sailing ships are pictured in the background. This nautical theme is painted on a convex piece of metal, which adds to the visual depth of the scene. The main section of the dial displays the time. The time ring is framed in a gilt circle. Arabic-style numerals are used to mark the quarter hours. The hours are presented in a Roman style. A subsidiary seconds dial is located in the traditional location. This dial is signed, “Aaron Willard / BOSTON.”

This movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. It is weight-driven and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It is a time-and-strike design with a rack and snail striking system. As a result, it will strike each hour on the hour. This is done on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement. 

This beautiful clock was made circa 1810. It stands approximately 8 feet 3.5 inches tall to the top of the center finial.

Inventory number YY-60.