This is an important inlaid mahogany case tall clock made by Aaron Willard of Boston, Massachusetts.

Aaron Willard was born in Grafton, Massachusetts on October 13th, 1757. Little is known of his early life in Grafton. It is here that he probably learned the skill of clock making from his older brothers Benjamin and Simon. It is recorded that he did march with them in response to the Lexington Alarm on April 19,1775. In 1780, Aaron moved from Grafton to Roxbury along with his brother Simon. Here the Willards establish a reputation for themselves as fine clock manufactures. They were responsible for training a large number of apprentices. Some of which became famous clockmakers in their own right. We have owned a large number of tall case clocks made by this important Maker. In addition, we have also owned a good number of wall timepieces in the form of banjo clocks as well as numerous Massachusetts shelf clock forms.

This is an impressive Boston example. It exhibits the best of proportions offered by the Boston school of cabinetmakers. The case is very narrow and measures approximately 97 inches tall to the top of the center finial.

This inlaid mahogany case tall clock stands on four nicely formed ogee bracket feet. The feet are applied the bottom of double step molding. This molding is applied to the base. The base panel features good vertical graining. This panel is also line inlaid. String boarders frame a narrow band of shaded mahogany. This application is repeated in the long rectangular waist door. The selection of wood in this location is very good. The vertical grain pattern is repeat in this location. This design element strengthens the narrow appeal of the waist. The door is also fitted with an applied molding that frames the outside edge. One would open this door in order to gains access to the inside of the case where the pendulum and tin can weights are located. The sides of the case are fitted with the traditionally formatted brass stop fluted quarter columns. These terminate in brass quarter capitals. The bonnet is a pierced and open fret work design and is surmounted with three large brass ball and spiked finials. These finials are supported on fluted plinths. Fully turned and brass stop fluted bonnet columns support the upper bonnet molding. They are mounted in brass capitals and are free standing. The arched bonnet door is fitted with glass and opens to access the painted iron dial.

This dial is signed by the Clockmaker below the calendar aperture. It is signed in script lettering. It reads, “Aaron Willard.” The spandrel areas are decorated with traditional floral themes. Please note that they are not framed. Also please note the pastoral scene located in the arch. These colorfully painted views are attributed to the Boston portrait artist, John Ritto Penniman. We have owned a number of signed Willard dials that share this similar theme. Many of which have been signed on the back by this important artist. As a result, it is logical to assume that this dial was manufactured locally and painted by Penniman. This dial also displays the hours, minutes, seconds and calendar date in the traditional locations.

This movement is constructed in brass and is good quality. It is weight driven and designed to run eight days on a full wind. It is 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 beautiful clock was made circa 1800. It stands approximately 8 feet 1 inch tall to the top of the center finial.