Edmund Currier of Salem, Massachusetts. A wall timepiece. LL-11.
This fine wall timepiece was made by Edmund Currier in Salem, Massachusetts.
This timepiece case exhibits an unusual variation of the standard form. The case, or more appropriately, the carved elements, were most likely constructed for Currier by the Salem cabinetmaker Joseph True (1806-1860). Joseph True's surviving account books contain a number of business transactions with Currier in the period starting in 1827 through 1831. Examples of these include "carving clock case," "carving two ornaments for timepiece," and "carving truss for" a mahogany clock case. The carvings exhibited here are very unusual, demonstrating a very high level of skill.
This timepiece case is constructed in mahogany and retains an older finish. The lower bracket is hand carved in the form of a tulip. This is a three-dimensional carving that extends almost 4.5 inches from the wall. The wooden sidearms are also hand-carved. The complex design is very attractive. These sidearms are fitted to the throat section with pins. A turned wooden acorn finial is mounted on a wooden finial plinth at the top of the case. The rounded frames and the turned and shaped bezel are also constructed in mahogany. The frames are fitted with a matched pair of reverse-painted tablets. These are expertly paint-decorated from the back. The tablets feature a white background and then a series of frames that center the artistic designs. The first is the complex gilt framing. This design demonstrates a high level of skill, and the design is reminiscent of the pattern exhibited on the wooden sidearms. The gilt pattern is executed in a very fancy and highly developed form. Inside this is a brightly colored red border. This frames the central field of green. Within the green area are various traditional designs. The throat section depicts an urn with a vine of floral themes rising from it. The Clockmaker also signs this clock in this throat section. The red banner reads" E. CURRIER." The lower tablet is formatted in a similar floral-themed motif except for the center area of this tablet. An oval is left open to view the motion of the brass-covered pendulum bob. Over the years, both tablets have experienced some minor losses to their painted designs. Past owners of this clock have restored these. This is an example of good stewardship. This includes the inner green field and the red framing on the lower glass. In addition, small areas of touch-ups have been performed over the last century. The wooden dial bezel opens to access a painted iron dial.
This painted dial features a time ring that is marked out in Roman-style numerals. The minute ring is closed and divided into sixty increments. The time is indicated by traditionally formed steel hands. One should note the expertly hand-filed arrow pointers or barbs.
Behind the dial is a brass-constructed movement. It is weight-driven and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The teeth are skillfully cut, and the rectangular-shaped plates are highly finished. The escapement is a recoil. This movement is mounted to a seat-board. The rails or sides of the case support this inside the head of the case.
This fine clock measured approximately 40 inches long and was made between 1825 and 1831.
Inventory number LL-11.
Edmund Currier was born the son of a Doctor on May 4, 1793, in Hopkinton, New Hampshire. He lived until the age of 60 years young and died in Salem, Massachusetts, on May 17, 1853. His first shop was located in Hopkinton. This shop was previously owned by Philip Brown, who was also a clockmaker. As a result, it is thought that Brown may have trained Edmund in the clockmaking trade. There is also some evidence that suggests that he worked for a short period of time with either the Hutchins brothers or Timothy Chandler in Concord. Interestingly, Edmund’s account books for the period in which he worked in Hopkinton have survived. Today, this book is located in the New Hampshire Philomatic and Antiquarian Society of Hopkinton. This account book provides us with a synopsis of the businesses he conducted there. He lists manufacturing and repairing items such as spectacles, cutlery, tableware, and jewelry. He did locksmith work, gunsmith repairs, and manufactured instruments for doctors. He dealt in musical instruments. His brother Ebenezer was a piano maker. Edmund manufactured and repaired tools, wagons, sleighs, and harnesses. He was also a fine clockmaker and repaired some watches. A small number of clocks are listed as being made in this New Hampshire location. In fact, Currier lists in his account books that he purchased tall clock cases from David Young and David Young Jr. It appears that he purchased 10 cases from David Young and one from David Young Jr. They are listed as follows:
Clock cases purchased from David Young,
1.) July 11, 1816 clock case $35.00.
2.) January 1, 1817 cherry case $16.00
3.) May 27, 1817 clock case $20.00
4.) July 11, 1818, case in cherry for $16.00.
5.) June 1, 1817, in cherry for $16.00.
6.) July 11, 1818, in cherry for $16.00.
7.) November 6, 1818, a mahogany case for $25.00.
8.) November 12, 1818, he purchased a mahogany case for $25.00
9.) November 12, 1818, he purchased a birch case for $14.00
10.) May 24, 1820, a cherry case $14.00.
Clock case purchased from David Young Jr.,
1.) June 28, 1816, he purchased one cherry case for $16.00.
From the same account books, it is recorded that he sold eight case clocks. Prices range from $35.00 to $65.00.
Edmund moved from Hopkinton in 1825 to the corner of Essex and Central Streets in Salem, Massachusetts. In 1828, he moved his business to 7 Derby Square. This was centrally located “In the market.” In 1831, Currier formed a partnership with George B. Foster. Currier trained Foster. This partnership was located at 11 Derby Square. The firm of Currier & Foster lasted until 1835. The clocks made during this period are usually signed “Currier & Foster.” This firm advertised as having for sale watches, clocks, and timepieces of their own manufacture. They are also listed as jewelers. After 1835, Currier continues to advertise on his own. His business is now located on Essex Street, and he was still in the business of making and selling “Timepieces, Gallery-Clocks, Regulators...” While in the town of Salem, Currier was deeply involved with the Salem Charitable Mechanic Association. It was recorded by his associates that he was “accustomed to working sixteen hours out of twenty-four.” He was admired for his talents.
Very few clocks by Currier and Currier & Foster are known. Examples are difficult to come by. Several other timepieces, as well as a lyre form, a dwarf form, and less than a hand full of tall clocks, are reported. There is a tall case clock in the museum collection at the Essex Institute, and we currently own what may be the only Hopkinton signed example. For a more complete listing of these Makers, please review “Willard’s Patent Timepieces,” written by Paul J. Foley.
