Aaron Willard Jr. mahogany cased tall clock with rocking ship dial and Paul Revere set up label. This clock was made on Washington Street in Boston, Massachusetts. BBB-33.

This fine mahogany case tall clock features long, narrow proportions. It was made by Aaron Willard Jr. of Boston, Massachusetts, and features an automated rocking-ship dial and the Clockmakers' original setup label.

Aaron Willard Jr. was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, on June 29, 1783. He had the good fortune of being born into America's leading clockmaking family. His father, Aaron, and his uncle, Simon, had recently moved from the rural community of Grafton. They began a productive career manufacturing high-quality clocks in this new ideal location. Given the traditions of the day, Aaron Jr. probably learned clockmaking from his family. We have owned and sold a large number of clocks made by this talented maker. As a result, it is logical to assume he was one of the most prolific makers of his day. Over the past 55 years in business, we have also owned many Aaron Jr. tall, Massachusetts, shelf, and gallery clocks. Aaron Jr. retired from clockmaking sometime around 1850 and moved to Newton, Massachusetts. He died on May 2, 1864.

This mahogany case is very nicely proportioned and retains an older, historic shellac finish. This case stands on four flared French feet that exhibit very good height. The transition between the feet forms a nicely shaped apron below the base section. The feet are visually separated from the base by a thin molding applied to the case's three sides. The front-facing panel of the base features a vibrant selection of mahogany. This special selection of wood features a grain pattern that appears to rise from below as it radiates up and outward. The large rectangular-shaped waist door is trimmed with delicate applied molding. The veneer selected for this location features a grain pattern with long, sweeping lines. The door provides access to the case's interior. Here, one will find the two original red-painted tin can drive weights and the original wooden pendulum rod that supports a brass-faced bob and rating nut. The Clockmaker's original setup label is on the back of the door. It lists the "Directions for putting up the Clock." This label is credited to have been printed by the American Patriot Paul Revere. It is worth noting that Clockmaker's labels are rare and, as a result, are an excellent addition to the history of this clock. Long reeded quarter columns flank the sides of the case. These terminate in brass quarter capitals and bases. The lower capitals are positioned on veneered blocks. The hood or bonnet features a free-flowing lacy pattern of fretwork. The open fretwork is supported with three reeded finial plinths. Each is fitted with a brass finial. These finials are ball-shaped with an eagle on top. Reeded mahogany bonnet columns are positioned on both sides of the door. These are also mounted in brass capitals and bases. The bonnet door is arched, and the opening is glazed.

This very colorful painted iron dial was painted by the Boston ornamental artists Nolen & Curtis. It is a 12-inch dial with a rocking ship display in the arch. The rocking ship is an automated feature. The painted, fully rigged ship is depicted flying the American flag and sailing across the turbulent waves. The water is lively. This ship is cut from tin and moves or gently rocks from side to side with the pendulum's motion. The painted scene behind the sailing ship is quite interesting. It includes a large fortification on the left, built high on a rocky point. This nautical theme is painted on a convex metal surface, which adds visual depth to the scene. The four spandrel locations are decorated with geometric and floral patterns. The colors, including green, red, and gold, attract attention. The applied gesso beads are finished in gilt paint. The time ring is formatted with all Arabic numerals. Inside the outer gold band, Arabic numerals indicate the five-minute positions. A dotted minute circle divides these from the larger Arabic-style hours. A subsidiary seconds dial and month calendar display are in traditional locations. The hands are filed from steel and have been blued. The minute and hour hands are an unusual form for a tall-case clock. This style is more traditionally found on Massachusetts shelf clocks of the period. Both hands are expertly crafted and three-dimensional, hand-filmed. This dial is signed, "Aaron Willard Jr. / BOSTON."

The clockworks are constructed in brass and are of good quality. Four-turned pillars support the two brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions, brass gearing, grooved winding drums, and a recoil escapement. The weight-driven movement is intended to run for eight days. 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 on a cast-iron bell mounted above the movement. This design is very reliable and is an excellent timekeeper.

This is a very attractive example. It measures approximately 8 feet 2.5 inches or 98.5 inches tall to the top of the center finial, 20.5 inches wide, and 10.5 inches deep.

This clock is inventory number BBB-33.