Nathaniel Hazeltine is somewhat of an obscure Clockmaker. A brief reference can be found in Vermont Clock and Watchmakers Silversmiths and Jewelers 1778 - 1878 which was written by Lillian Baker Carlisle. The lists him as working 1856. A reference from Walton’s Register in 1856 and until 1858 list him as a “manufacturer of watches and jewelry.” We have done some additional research and have found an Enoch Hazeltine listed in Danville census in 1820 He is listed as the father of Nathaniel. Both father and son listed in the trades. In the same census, Nathaniel has a sister listed as ten years younger. A marriage record also exists for a Nathaniel Hazeltine of Danville marring Miss Meriam Hoyt on 12/10/1819. As luck would have it, a watch paper was recent discovered and sold by Eaton’s Auction Service in Vermont on 10/18/2008. The paper reads, “ Nathl Hazeltine Clock, Watch, Maker. Danville, Vermont.” On the back it is dated “1816, May 31. M??? Waddock (sp?) 1817 February, 23.”

This cherry case has excellent narrow proportions and decorative inlay work. The case stands on an applied bracket base. The four feet are slightly splayed and as a result are three dimensionally formed. They have excellent height. The base panel is line inlaid. The line inlay is a combination of light maple and a contrasting darker line. In the center is a pattera. This design element is repeated in the waist door. The waist section is long and narrow. The rectangular waist door is also line inlaid. Through this one can access the weights and pendulum. The sides of the waist are fitted with fluted quarter columns. These terminate in brass quarter capitals. The hood or bonnet features a traditional new England style fret work. This is supported by three inlaid final plinths. They are capped at the top and are surmounted by ball and spike brass finials. The bonnet columns are smoothly turned and fluted. the lower sections have been stopped with inlays. These flank the arch bonnet door. This door is also inlaid and fitted with glass.

The painted iron dial is not signed. The time ring is formatted with Roman numeral hour markers. Arabic numerals are used as the five minute markers. This dial also displays the date of the month calendar and the seconds on a subsidiary dial. In the arch is a lunar calendar or a moon phase mechanism. Each of the four spandrel areas are colorfully decorated with geometric patterns. This dial is in very nice condition.

The time and strike movement is of good quality and is designed to run eight days on a full wind. It is constructed in brass. The teeth in the gear train are deeply cut. It is weight driven or weigh powered. This clock strikes the hours on a cast iron bell. It is good quality. It is interesting to note that the back plate is elaborately engraved ‘No 2. N. Hazeltine.” This is a practice that we have seen on the many tall case clocks signed by John Osgood of Haverhill, New Hampshire. Interestingly, most of the Osgoods which have been recently recorded with numbers in the three hundreds. In addition, the strike work is designed in the Osgood manner. The levers are nicely shaped and distinctive. This is also true of many Osgood signed clocks. As a result, one can speculate that Hazeltine and Osgood had some sort of working relationship. The movements are very similar.

This clock was made circa 1815. It stands approximately 8 feet 2 inches tall or 98 inches tall overall.