James Snelling of Providence, Rhode Island. A Federal mahogany shelf with a painted kidney-shaped dial. Providence, Rhode Island. XXSL-31.
This Massachusetts Shelf Clock was made by James Snelling of Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1815. The case is constructed in mahogany, mahogany veneers, and New England white pine. The backboard is signed with an inscription that reads, ”Thomas G. Dagget & Son, Watch and Clock Makers, December 23, 1847.”
This clock stands on four flared French feet. Their lines transition from one to another by forming a drop apron between the feet. A light line inlay visually separates the base panel from the feet. This line inlay starts at the back of the first side panel, comes forward, and then across the front of the case and back to the back edge of the case. The front panel is nicely figured, with a selection of wood exhibiting a long sweeping grain pattern. This panel is framed with a narrow mahogany cross-banded border. The hood is surmounted with three reeded finial plinths. Each is capped at the top and supports a decorative brass finial. A simple step-back molding helps support the plinths. The bonnet or hood door aperture is fitted with glass, and the door opens to access the dial. The dial mask board retains its original red paint.
The paint-decorated dial is iron. A gold band frames the time ring. The minutes are displayed in a closed circle. The hours are indicated in Arabic-style numerals. Below the time ring is a decorative area where the Maker’s signature is found. The signature is signed in a script format. It reads, “James Snelling.” The painted drapery is simple but is also very well done. This dial was most likely painted by Spencer Nolen in Boston, Massachusetts.
The weight-powered time-only movement is constructed in brass. The gearing is supported by steel shafts and polished steel pinions. The escapement is a recoil format. This movement is designed to run for an eight-day duration and is of good quality.
This clock was made circa 1815 and is approximately 35.5 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and 6.25 inches deep.
Inventory number XXSL-31.
James Snelling, Providence, Rhode Island. Currently, very little is known of James Snelling. There is a vague reference that he was born in 1782 and died in 1828. It also suggests that he was at work in Providence from 1810 through 1828. I have had a difficult time confirming this. We do know that he signed the dial of a Massachusetts shelf clock. Based on the style of the case and dial, that clock was made circa 1815. It is most certainly a Boston example. The clock mentioned was a traditional Boston form and had a painted kidney-shaped dial painted by the Boston ornamental artist Spencer Nolen. As a result, we speculate that Snelling had connections to the Boston Makers on some level and most likely retailed that clock. Snelling may have owned a small shop or store in Providence.
