Aaron Willard Jr., Boston, Massachusetts. An inlaid and cross-banded mahogany case tall clock. PP-125.

This fine inlaid mahogany case tall clock was made by Aaron Willard Jr. of Boston, Massachusetts. 

This inlaid mahogany case is nicely proportioned and retains an older finish that has nicely mellowed over the years. This finish accentuates the fluid grain patterns in the wood used to construct this fine case. Four flared French feet elevate the cabinet off the floor. These are built separately and applied to the bottom of the case. A shaped molding makes this transition. The feet are nicely shaped and incorporate a drop apron that appears to hang from the base section. The front base panel is framed with a cross-banded mahogany border. This is trimmed with a delicate line inlaid that features an attractive and multi-colored pattern. A variation of this can also be found incorporated in the design of the waist and bonnet doors. The center panel features a fine selection of crotch veneer where the grain pattern is formatted in a vertical fashion. The waist section is long and narrow. Brass stop-fluted quarter columns flank the sides of the case. They terminate in brass quarter capitals. The lower capitals are supported by wonderfully figured veneered plinths. The two-quarter columns help center a rectangular-shaped door that is trimmed with applied molding. The decorative veneer formatting used in this location is similar to the design exhibited in the base panel. The open fretwork style bonnet is surmounted with three brass ball and spiked finials. They are supported by fluted chimney plinths. Turned and brass-stopped fluted mahogany bonnet columns are positioned on both sides of the door. They are free-standing and mounted in brass capitals. The bonnet door is an arched form. It is also decorated with a line inlay pattern. The large opening is fitted with glass. 

The Boston ornamental artist Spencer Nolen most likely painted this iron dial. This 12-inch wide American dial is wonderfully decorated. The bead worked is made from gesso that is applied to the dial. It is then coated with gilt paint. Please note the cross-hatching and the radiants. This intricate pattern was also used on Simon Willard's early presentation timepieces. A floral bouquet is depicted in the lunette. The time ring is formatted with large Roman-style hour numerals. Arabic numerals are used to indicate the five-minute markers. A subsidiary seconds dial is located in the traditional location. The hands are filed from steel and have been blued. They are very nicely shaped. This dial is signed by the clockmaker, "Aaron Willard Jr. / BOSTON." 

This fine movement is constructed in brass and is of 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. This is done on a cast iron bell which is mounted above the movement. This movement design is very reliable, and the clock is an excellent timekeeper.

This clock was made circa 1810 and stands approximately 7 feet 9 inches tall to the top of the center finial. 

Inventory number PP-125.