Clock, Tall Case

Object Name:

Clock, Tall Case

Object ID:

1972.089.009

Creator:

Emory, Jesse (1759-1838) -- Clockmaker

Place of Origin:

Weare, NH

Date:

circa 1800

Description:

Tall Case Clock. Movement and case by Jesse Emory (1759-1838), Weare, NH; c. 1800. Case: Maple, birch, and pine secondary, with a mahogany stain, and is of pegged construction. Arched hood, with three capped plinths, and elaborately scrolled fretwork. Columns under outer plinths. Concave molding. Hood door also has arched top, and has unique latch. Latch consists of a single piece of wire which passes through the door in two strands as the outside is bent into a circle to form a knob. On the inside, flush, the ends are bent so as to be in the same plane as the knob, but parallel to the door frame. The dial frame has two staples which are not completely driven down. They are positioned so that as the knob is turned the other ends of the knob wire engage the staples, and a lock is formed. The waist has concave molding at the top and bottom, but no columns or corner decorations on the sides. A rectangular door in its center has a beaded edge. This door latch is also unique (only found on other Jesse Emory clocks). On the interior of the door is a long horizontal sliver-like piece of maple, nailed to the hinge-end of the door. The opposite end (latch end) is held in place by a vertical wooden piece. The horizontal piece works in a slot cut out of the door interior; the natural springiness of the wood returns it to position after being raised by a wooden cam. On the front of the door is a circular piece of wire that serves as a door knob, which passes through the door and the cam; turning the door knob turns the cam and raises the latch. The case is cut out on the left of the door to complete the spring lock. Several names and dates written on interior of the door, probably from cleanings/repairs: "Wm G. (or S) Puttee / August 8, 1839", "Ha (possible Harold) _att_n / July 6, 1840", "C. Br[un]tun", and "Wm. G. Puttee June 17, 1844". Face and Movement: Wooden face, painted white. Black numerals, including roman numerals (I - XII), corresponding arabic numerals in units of 5 (5-60), and also a smaller calendar dial, under the XII. All hands are pewter. Floral designs in spandrels, dark blue with red flowers. Above dial is an oval done in red and blue, with "JESSE EMORY / WEARE" painted in the center. Movement is all maple wood; it is a thirty-hour movement. Movement mounted on a saddle board and held with a wooden screw (approx. 4" screw). Movement includes strike and bell; bell marked "G. AINSWORTH WARRn". Stepped molding at base of clock. Baseboard is dovetailed to the bottom. Stored separately: one soapstone weight; pewter pendulum bob on maple pendulum rod (note: 2 small soapstone weights found in the case during cataloging Aug., 2006).

Material:

Wood
Maple
Metal
Glass

Dimensions:

H-89.75 W-20.625 D-11.25 inches

Provenance:

Clock by Jesse Emory (1759-1838), Weare, NH. This clock acquired by donor, Charles S. Parsons (1904-1988) from E. B. Belcher, Portland, ME, who bought it from Mrs. Withington's antique shop in Hillsborough, NH. Part of a large clock (and related materials) collection, including not only clocks made in New Hampshire, but also several made elsewhere, acquired in New Hampshire by the donor and probably used here.

Credit Line:

Gift of Charles S. Parsons

People:

Emory, Jesse (1759-1838), Puttee, William S., Parsons, Charles S. (1904-1988)