This is a fine Chippendale mahogany case tall clock having an engraved brass dial that is finished with a silver wash. It is signed by the clockmaker “B. Willard, Roxbury No. 221.”

Benjamin Willard is the oldest of four clockmaking brothers. His younger brother Simon, is America’s most famous Clockmaker. Other brothers that made clocks include Ephraim and Aaron. Benjamin was born in Grafton on March 19, 1743. As a New England Clockmaker, he never stayed in one location for an extended period of time. In December 1764 at the age of twenty-one, Benjamin advertised that he was in East Hartford, CT at the home of Benjamin Cheney. He also claimed that he was the “last maker” at this shop. It is logical to assume that he was trained to make clocks in East Hartford by Mr. Cheney who was a known Clockmaker. One signed wooden geared clock is known and currently owned by our family. This wooden geared clock is constructed in a manner that is very similar to that of the distinctive Cheney form. It appears Benjamin moved back to Grafton, Massachusetts shortly after this advertisement. It is believed that he had moved back by 1766 and it appears he was working on his own at this time. By 1768, he moved on to Lexington, Massachusetts where he worked with, and then succeeded Nathaniel Mulliken. During this period, it is thought he maintained separate shops in both towns until 1771 when it appears he moved the Lexington shop to Roxbury. The Roxbury shop then moved to Brookline in 1775. During the period 1777-78 he advertised being located in Medford. Benjamin moved back to Grafton and then later Worcester and then to Baltimore, Maryland where he died in September of 1803.

This nicely proportioned tall clock case is constructed in mahogany. It is supported on a boldly formed double stepped molding which rest flat on the floor. The waist section is long and centers a tombstone shaped waist door. This door incorporates a molded edge. This example does not incorporate quarter columns. These have been substituted with a simple detail that forms a cock-beaded edge that runs the entire length of the waist. This subtle detail is quite effective. The hood or bonnet is supports a pierced an open fret work pattern. This is supported by three finial plinths. Each of which are capped at the top and fitted with brass ball and spiked finials. The bonnet columns are fluted along their length and stopped with brass. These are mounted in brass capitals. They flank the bonnet door which is arched in form and fitted with glass. This door opens to access the dial.

This dial is constructed from a sheet of brass. It gets its silver color from a wash that is applied after it has been engraved. The engravings are skillfully executed. The dial is signed and numbered by the Maker. The “No. 221” can be found inside the subsidiary seconds dial. The Maker’s name and working location “Benja Willard Roxbury” is positioned in the center section and can be plainly seen. The name is signed in a script format. The working location is presented in large block lettering. Located in the arch of the dial is the Latin verse, “Tempus Fugit.” There is also a phoenix bird prominently displayed in this location. It’s wings are outstretched in flight and the bird is clutching a floral twig in it’s powerful beak. The time ring is laid out in a traditional format. The hour are indicated in Roan numerals. The five minute markers are indicated in an Arabic form. The day of the month is also displayed through a small square opening above the Roman numeral “Six.” Each of the four spandrels and the interior of the time rime are engraved with long sweeping designs.

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 movement is of good quality. It is interesting to note the quality of this example because we have owned and seen numerous other signed Benjamin examples where the quality is somewhat crude.

This clock stands 7 feet 10.5 inches tall to the top of the center finial. This clock was made circa 1776.