The extraordinary mahogany wall clock by Aaron Willard of Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1825, is a "Tavern Clock" style, reflecting its era's superb craftsmanship and design sensibilities. It's a rare piece of early Americana that we seldom see in the marketplace. The diminutive figured mahogany case showcases the skilled artistry inherent in Aaron Willard's work.
The case's distinct features include figured mahogany on the access door, creating a visually appealing grain pattern. The rich mahogany's older patina adds to the clock's overall aesthetic. The lower section gracefully rolls back against the wall, forming a quarter-round shape below an access door. This door provides access to the brass-faced pendulum bob and the drive weight.
The clock's focal point is the delicate wooden bezel housing clear glass, which opens to reveal a 12-inch convex-painted dial. The convex shape of the iron was meticulously hammered into form, providing ample space for the clock's open-moon hands to move freely. The dial is beautiful, adorned with Roman-style hour numerals within a segmented minute track. Aaron Willard's signature proudly graces the dial, a symbolic connection to the legacy of this revered clockmaker.
Driving the clock's precision is an eight-day brass movement driven by a lead weight marked "J. Stone." The weight is die-stamped J. Stone, which is notable, as Jasper Stone, mentioned in Paul Foley's book "Willard's Patent Timepieces," operated as a clockmaker, watchmaker, and jeweler in Charlestown from 1838 to 1892. A single screw mounts the works to the back of the case. A wooden weight stop ensures additional support and serves as a contact point for the weight, contributing to the clock's stability and longevity. Overall, this Aaron Willard masterpiece encapsulates functional precision and timeless aesthetic appeal.
Aaron Willard was born in Grafton, Massachusetts, on October 13th, 1757. He became skilled in clock-making by learning the craft from his older brothers Benjamin and Simon. Notably, Aaron participated in the response to the Lexington Alarm in 1775 alongside his brothers. In about 1780, he relocated to Roxbury with his brother Simon, where they established themselves as distinguished clock manufacturers. Aaron's reputation extended beyond his craftsmanship, as he was crucial in training numerous apprentices.
Aaron's clock-making endeavors flourished. His large shop, mentioned in the 1798 Boston directory, employed a substantial workforce, contributing significantly to the dominance of the Willard family in the Boston clock-making industry.
Dimensions: Height 30", Width 12 1/2", Depth 4"
Inventory DDD-43
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