Isaac Doolittle New Haven, Connecticut No 88. Circa 1750. AAA-31.
Isaac Doolittle of New Haven, Connecticut, made this pre-Revolutionary case tall clock. The Clockmaker signs it and also numbered on the dial “88.” Pre-Revolutionary clocks made in this Country are quite rare. The majority of clocks that would have been available during this early period of our Country’s history would have been from English sources. This fine clock was made here in the colonies and exhibits many characteristics of the early form.
Number 88 is a very tall example, suggesting that it was custom-made for a wealthy client with very tall ceilings. The case measures 7 feet 8 inches or 92 inches tall to the top of the broad cornice molding. The case is supported on a double-stepped base. The waist section is very long and narrow. It is fitted with a rectangular-shaped access door. This door fills the waist or middle section of the case and has the appearance of a wall or cabinet panel. The sides of the case are constructed in a similar manner. The design of the bonnet includes a very large cornice molding. The bonnet door features an arched opening fitted with protective glass. It opens to a composite brass dial signed by the Maker.
This style of dial predates the painted dial. It comprises a brass base sheet decorated with applied spandrels, name boss, and time or chapter rings. The name boss reads, “Isaac Doolittle / New Haven / Fecit / 88.” The cast spandrels are gilded. The two upper castings that frame the name boss are a dolphin form. The four others feature a woman’s head amongst foliage. The chapter ring has been silvered. The Arabic five-minute markers are separated from the Roman-style hour numerals by a closed minute ring. This dial also includes an interior minute ring, a design feature seen on early formatted dials. The middle section of the dial is matted or textured. This is a labor-intensive process of stamping the brass with a die. This was most likely done to aid in one’s ability to locate the hands while reading the dial. A brass dial will tarnish, making it somewhat challenging to read in a room lit by candles. The date calendar window is square-shaped, and a sub-sidary seconds dial is positioned below the hour numeral XII. The steel hands are wonderfully made and offer good form.
Behind the dial is a brass-constructed weight-driven movement. It is robust and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It features heavy cast brass plates, a recoil escapement, grooved winding drums, and a full rack-and-snail actuated strike train. It will strike each hour on a cast iron bell mounted above the works. A seaboard supports the movement. The pendulum features a wooden rod and a brass-faced lead bob.
This fine example was made by a well-known New Haven Clockmaker circa 1768.
Inventory number AAA-31.
Isaac Doolittle was born the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Holt) Doolittle on August 13, 1721, in the town of Wallingford, Connecticut. Isaac died in New Haven on February 20, 1800. It is thought that he learned the art of clockmaking as an apprentice to Macock Ward of Wallingford. In 1742, Isaac moved to New Haven and opened his first shop on Chapel Street. Shortly after that, he married Sarah Todd in 1743. Together, they had one boy, Isaac Jr 91759-1821), that went into the clock business. By many accounts, Isaac Senior was a talented person and an able mechanic. He advertised on numerous occasions that he sold and repaired imported watches and surveyors' compasses. He cast several large bells and sold quantities of bar iron. He sold chocolate and a printing press of his own construction. In 1758, Isaac was appointed by the General Assembly the title of Armourer of the Fourth Regiment of Connecticut. He served as Warden of the Trinity Church from 1765 through 1785. During the Revolutionary War, Isaac manufactured powder. He was active in public affairs. He served as a warden in the Trinity Church for a number of years and was a large benefactor of the construction of the building.
