Aaron Willard Jr., Boston, Massachusetts. An inlaid and cross-banded mahogany case tall clock. PP-125.
This beautifully crafted tall clock was made by Aaron Willard Jr. in Boston, Massachusetts.
The inlaid mahogany case has balanced proportions and a mellowed finish that highlights the wood’s grain. Four flared French feet lift the cabinet, each made separately, and along with a drop apron are attached to the shaped molding applied to the base. The front base panel is bordered with cross-banded mahogany, separated from the veneered panel by a thin, multicolored inlay. This line-inlay pattern also appears on the waist and bonnet doors. The center panel uses a fine crotch veneer with a vertical grain. The waist is long and narrow, flanked by brass stop-fluted quarter columns with brass capitals. The lower capitals rest on veneered plinths. These columns frame a rectangular door with applied molding, and the veneer design here matches the base panel. The open fretwork bonnet is topped with three brass ball-and-spiked finials on fluted chimney plinths. Turned, brass-stopped fluted mahogany bonnet columns stand on both sides of the door, mounted in brass capitals. The arched bonnet door features a line inlay pattern and a large glass opening.
The iron dial was likely painted by Boston ornamental artist Spencer Nolen. This 12-inch American dial is elaborately decorated with applied gesso details and finished with gilt paint. The complex cross-hatching details and radiants are similar to patterns found on Simon Willard's early presentation clocks. A floral bouquet is featured in the lunette. The time ring is formatted with large Roman-style numerals, and Arabic numerals are positioned at the five-minute markers. A subsidiary seconds dial is located in the traditional location. The hands are shaped from blued steel. The dial is signed by the maker: "Aaron Willard Jr. / BOSTON."
This fine movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. Four turned pillars support the two brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions, brass gearing, recoil escapement, and grooved winding drums. 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 the hour. This is done on a cast-iron bell mounted above the movement. This movement design is very reliable, and the clock is an excellent timekeeper.
This clock was made circa 1810 and stands approximately 7 feet 9 inches tall to the top of the center finial.
Inventory number PP-125.
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.
