Aaron Willard Jr., of Boston, Mass. This cross-banded mahogany case retains the Makers' original set up label. The signed dial depicting Rambler's Return in the lunette. ZZ-5.
Aaron Willard Jr., of Boston, Massachusetts, made this important tall clock. This example incorporates several notable attributes, including a signed dial, the Clockmaker's setup label, outstanding wood selections, and its overall grand scale.
This beautiful case is made with the finest figured mahogany veneers that are visually engaging and colorful. The grand scale of the case enhances the veneers. It measures approximately 102 inches tall to the top of the center finial, 20.5 inches wide, and 11 inches deep. The dial is slightly larger, measuring 13 inches across. This model was designed to impress.
This deep, rich mahogany case stands on four flared French feet. The feet transition into a drop apron hanging below the base panel, visually separated by a delicate applied molding. The base panel's perimeter is veneered with a cross-banded mahogany border. The center panel features a large, vibrant selection of vertically oriented crotch veneer with a rising grain pattern. The range of colorful, warm tones is impressive. The rectangular waist door is similarly veneered with first-rate wood and framed by applied molding. Opening this door provides access to the case's interior, where the original wooden pendulum rod, brass-faced bob, rating nut, and two tin-can drive weights are found. The Clockmaker's paper setup label is pasted on the back of the door. This later version suggests the clock was shipped with the movement and pendulum installed in the case, the pendulum secured to the backboard with a wooden block. The label instructs the owner to "Unfasten the pendulum," indicating it was shipped connected to the works. Very few clocks, even Willard clocks, retain their original setup labels, making this a valuable detail. The front corners of the waist are fitted with boldly reeded quarter columns ending in brass quarter capitals. The waist door frame uses nicely figured wood. The bonnet features a traditional New England pierced-and-open fretwork design supported by three reeded and capped plinths. Each plinth is topped with a brass ball-and-spike finial. Fully turned and reeded bonnet columns support the upper bonnet molding; they are mounted in brass capitals and free-standing. Large rectangular glass-fitted side lights are located on the hood's sides. The arched bonnet door is also glass-fitted and opens to access the colorfully painted iron dial.
This painted iron dial is a product of the Nolen & Curtis dial firm in Boston, Massachusetts. The raised gesso work in the four spandrel areas, along with the gilt rings positioned around the time track, are hallmarks of these ornamental artists and their workshop. The complexity of this example could be considered some of their best work. All of the gesso work is highlighted in gilt paint. The four spandrel areas are decorated with apple and grape themes. In the arch or lunette is a painted scene. It depicts a young woman standing on a forest path. She is well-dressed and has a wide-brimmed hat under her left arm. Her right hand is raised to her face. She is posed as if she is considering her options. This dial displays the hours, minutes, and seconds in the traditional format. A dotted minute ring separates the Arabic five-minute markers from the Roman-style hour numerals. In the center is a subsidiary seconds dial. The Clockmaker's name and Working location are painted over the area that traditionally displays the day of the month. This dial does not have a calendar display. The signature reads, "Aaron Willard Jr/ BOSTON." The steel hour and minute hands are nicely shaped and filed for additional detail.
This fine movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. Four turned pillars support the two rectangular brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions, brass gearing, grooved winding drums, and recoil escapement. The movement is weight-driven and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It is a two-train, time-and-strike design with a rack-and-snail striking system. As a result, it will strike each hour on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement.
This beautiful clock was made circa 1820.
The case is approximately 102 inches tall, or 8 feet 6 inches tall to the top of the center finial. It is 20.5 inches wide and 11 inches deep.
Inventory number ZZ-5.
Aaron Willard Jr. was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, on June 29, 1783. He was born into America's leading clockmaking family. His father, Aaron, and uncle Simon had recently moved from the rural community of Grafton and started a productive career making high-quality clocks in this new location. Based on the traditions of the day, Aaron Jr. likely learned clockmaking from his family. We have owned many wall timepieces, commonly called banjo clocks, made by this talented maker. Given the numbers seen in the marketplace, it is logical to assume he was one of the most prolific makers of this form. We have also owned several tall case clocks, Massachusetts shelf clocks, and gallery clocks. Aaron Jr. retired from clockmaking around 1850 and moved to Newton, Massachusetts. He died on May 2, 1864.
