Elnathan Taber of Roxbury, Massachusetts. An inlaid mahogany cased tall clock retaining its original set up label. The cabinet is attributed to the cabinetmaker Abiel White. 221033
Elnathan Taber's original paper setup label can be found pasted to the inside of the waist door. This paper label measures approximately 3.5 inches tall and 4 inches wide and is in very good original condition. Very few clock cases were originally labeled, and even fewer remain with their cases. This is a very nice feature.
This inlaid mahogany case is attributed to the Southeastern Massachusetts cabinetmaker Abiel White. This case's design and construction exhibit many features associated with this Weymouth joiner. This fine example stands on four flared French feet. The feet are molded into the base section and make this smooth transition without an applied molding. Instead, a complicated inlay pattern provides the visual separation between the feet and the base section. The feet are designed with a pad at the bottom, a gentle flare, and excellent height. The inside line sweeps up and into a return and then to a wide subtle drop apron. The base panel is broadly cross-banded around the outside edge. The wood selected for this cross-banded detail exhibits good striping or variation in color. This banding frames a mahogany veneered panel. The grain exhibited here features a sweeping pattern of crotch mahogany and is positioned in a vertical layout. A complex line inlay pattern separates these two features. This same pattern is used again in the design of the long rectangular-shaped waist door. This waist door is fitted with applied molding along its outer edge. The molding details are complex and somewhat compressed as compared to the traditional Roxbury form. The mahogany veneer selected for this prominent location in the waist door features a long vertical grain pattern. The sides of this case are fitted with reeded quarter columns. These terminate in brass quarter capitals. The bonnet features a complex fretwork design. The pattern features a lacy feel having several lines in the pattern that are quite long. The three ball and spike finials are mounted on reeded plinths that are capped at the top. The free-standing bonnet columns are also reeded and terminated in brass capitals. The bonnet door is an arched form and is line inlaid. This door opens to access the painted iron dial.
This iron dial is of Boston origin and is very colorfully paint decorated. It was most likely painted by Spencer Nolen based on other known signed examples. The four spandrel areas feature vibrant shades of gold and red paint. The gilt work is raised on applied gesso designs. In the arch of this dial is a moon phase or lunar calendar mechanism. The hours, minutes, seconds, and calendar day are all displayed in a traditional format. The numerals used are presented in Arabic formatting. This dial is boldly signed by the Clockmaker, "WARRANTED BY / E. Taber," in fancy lettering.
This fine movement is constructed in brass and is of very good quality. Four turned pillars support the two brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions and brass gearing. The winding drums are grooved. The escapement is designed as a recoil format. The movement is weight driven and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It is a two-train or a time-and-strike design having a rack and snail striking system. As a result, it will strike each hour on the hour on a cast iron bell which is mounted above the movement.
This beautiful clock was made circa 1810. It stands approximately 7 feet 10 inches tall (94 inches) to the top of the center finial. The case is constructed in mahogany with holly line inlays, and New England white pine is used as a secondary wood. The mahogany retains a deep rich finish.
Inventory number 221033.
Elnathan Taber was born in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on February 14, 1768, and may have died in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on February 27, 1854, at the age of 86. His grave was moved from Dartmouth to Forest Hills Cemetery in Jamaica Plain on October 29, 1870. His parents were Thomas and Elizabeth (Swift) Taber. Elnathan is the older brother of Stephen Taber, whose fortune helped found Taber Academy in Marion, MA. Both brothers traveled to Roxbury and were trained as clockmakers by the Willards. Elnathan was just 16. After serving his apprenticeship, Elnathan stayed and worked in Roxbury. His shop was located on Union Street. Union Street was renamed Taber Street in April 1868 in his honor. He was the first resident of that street. William Cummens also moved there and set up shop at the corner of Winslow. This short street was between Warren Street and Winslow Street. Elnathan maintained a close working relationship with his mentor Simon and became one of his most famous apprentices. He was authorized by Simon to make his patent timepieces during the patent period. He was also a prolific repairman. His name can be found engraved on numerous Boston area-made clocks as a service record. Elnathan married Catherine Partridge in January 1797. They had four children between the years of 1797 and 1811. Catherine had three sisters who also married clockmakers. Her sister Elizabeth married Abel Hutchins, and Mary (Polly) married Aaron Willard. A third sister married Samuel Curtis. Over the years, we have owned and sold numerous tall case clocks made by this fine clockmaker. In addition, we have owned a good number of wall timepieces in the form of banjo clocks and coffin clocks, as well as several of the Massachusetts shelf clock forms.