This is a fine Chippendale cherry case tall clock with painted dial signed B. Willard Grafton No. 345.

Benjamin Willard is the oldest of four clockmaking brothers. His younger brother Simon is our countries most famous Clockmaker. Benjamin was born March 19,1743. As a clockmaker, Benjamin never stayed in one location for an extend period of time. Today, it is thought that he was trained to make clocks in East Hartford by Benjamin Cheney. After serving his apprenticeship there, he moved back to Grafton and established his own shop. Sometime is 1767, he moves to the town of Lexington and worked with and then succeeded Nathaniel Mulliken. It is thought Benjamin maintained shops in both towns. By 1771 he was working in Roxbury and some what disappeared from the records until 1784 when advertised he was absent from the country. It is recorded that Benjamin moves back to Grafton and then later to Baltimore. Benjamin died in Baltimore, Maryland in September of 1803.

This fine New England case form is constructed in cherry. The finish is warm and inviting. The case stands on a boldly formed double stepped molding which incorporates cutout bracket feet. These are original to this case and are mounted directly to the base section. The waist is long and centers a nicely shaped waist door. This door is trimmed in a delicate molded edge. The hood or bonnet is surmounted with an open fret work pattern, three finial plinths and three brass finials. The bonnet columns are smoothly turned and fluted. They are mounted in brass capitals. The bonnet door is arched and fitted with glass. This door opens to access the painted dial.

This painted iron dial was locally made and paint decorated. It is wonderful. Depicted in the arch is the Maker’s name, working location and number. This information is centered in an oval which is framed with a vine of florals. From this pendant, additional floral vines extend down and away and decorate the arch area. Each of the four spandrel areas feature depiction's of flowers. These decorations have a wonderful folk art quality to them. This is a nice variation from the commonplace English painted dials. Interestingly we have seen several dials painted in this manner. Clockmakers that seemed to favored them include Benjamin Willard, Luther Goddard, and Joseph Loring of Sterling. This dial displays the hours, minutes, seconds and calendar date.

This clock features an eight day brass movement. It is weight driven and wound with a key. It is designed to strike each hour on a cast iron bell. The large movement is of good quality.

This clock stands approximately 7 feet 6 inches tall and was made 1795.