Elnathan Taber of Roxbury, Massachusetts. A wall timepiece. 221209.
This fine Federal Massachusetts wall Timepiece or "Banjo clock" was made by Elnathan Taber of Roxbury, Massachusetts, circa 1825. The Maker signs this example on the weight tin inside the case.
The case is constructed in mahogany and features half-round mahogany frames, a mahogany finial plinth, and a gilded acorn finial. The frames are fitted with painted glass panels. Both tablets have been repainted in traditional themes. The subject matter recreated here is one of a recurring theme and colors. This combination was very popular in Boston, and several clockmakers made similar clocks. These tablets are very well done, exhibiting a high level of skill. Both glasses feature a mustard yellow field of color and gilt framing. The lower tablet depicts an American eagle with its wings outstretched as if ready to take flight. This patriotic symbol carries a colorful American shield on its chest. Its feet are clutching the arrows of war on the lower right and the holly branches of peace on the lower left. The Eagle is positioned with its head turned in the direction of peace. A small circular area behind the bird's head is left undecorated. Through this clear section of glass, one would see the motion of the brass-faced pendulum bob when the clock is running. Rising from this opening are many gilt radiants. The throat tablet is decorated with a traditionally shaped urn. This supports a vertical line of florals. This is also a very popular theme and is often found on clocks of this form. Brass sidearms are fitted to the sides of the case. The dial bezel is also brass and closes on the case with a push-button latch. This bezel is fitted with glass and opens to access the painted iron dial. The hour and minute hands are shaped like arrows and display the time. The time ring features a closed minute ring along the dial's perimeter. Roman-style hour numerals demark each hour. The small hole in the dial is used to wind the movement of this clock with a key.
The weight-driven movement is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The movement is constructed in brass. It is mounted to the back of the case with two screws through the backplate that are diagonally positioned. Four brass pillars secure the rectangular-shaped plates. Hardened steel shafts support the brass gearing. The teeth in the gear train are deeply cut. The click is nicely shaped. The pendulum hangs from a bridge mounted to the front of the movement. It is constructed with a steel rod that supports a brass-faced bob. A tin weight shield located in the lower box of the case guides the weight away from the pendulum. This clock is signed by the Clockmaker in this location. Inscribed on the weight-tin, the Maker wrote, "Warranted by E. Taber Roxbury."
This very attractive clock measures approximately 33.5 inches long and was made circa 1825.
Inventory number 221209.
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.
