Frederick Wingate of Augusta, Maine. A mahogany-cased tall clock that features a rocking ship dial. This dial is numbered 118. VV-134.
This is a well-proportioned, inlaid mahogany-cased tall clock. It was made by Frederick Wingate of Augusta, Maine, circa 1813. This is one of the most formal examples known, featuring a rocking ship dial and an inlaid case.
This is a very good example of this Augusta, Maine clockmaker's work. The case is primarily constructed in mahogany and features bird's-eye maple highlights and light line inlays. The secondary wood is New England white pine. This important example stands on cut-out bracket feet that retain excellent height. They are visually separated from the base section with a thinly applied molding. The base features an applied panel decorated with a line inlay around the panels' perimeter. The waist door is rectangular and is trimmed with a molded edge. This is also line inlaid and has the added decorative feature of inlay quarter fans in each of the four corners. The sides of the waist section are fitted with turned quarter columns. These are unusual in that they are constructed from a selection of bird's-eye maple. The grain pattern exhibited in this light-colored wood is very interesting. Both of these quarter columns terminate in brass quarter capitals. They are visually supported on veneered plinths. These plinths are also veneered in bird's-eye maple. The bonnet features a New England-style fretwork pattern. This is a pleasing design. Three-period brass finials are mounted on top of the bird's-eye maple finial plinths. The bonnet columns are smoothly turned and subtly shaped. They are free-standing and secured in brass capitals. The arched-shaped bonnet door is fitted with glass. This door opens to access the clock's dial.
This iron dial was paint-decorated by Spencer Nolen. Nolen was an ornamental artist, dial maker, and looking glass maker that worked in Boston and Philadelphia. This is an automated dial. Dials such as this are thought to have been purchased on special order at most certainly at additional cost. The automated feature of a rocking ship is located in the arch of this dial. The painted ship is depicted flying the American flag. When the clock is running, the ship moves or rocks gently from side to side with the motion of the pendulum. The painted scene behind the sailing ship is painted on iron. This iron plate is slightly curved to allow room for the ship to move and adds to the visual depth of the scene. This painted nautical seascape includes a large residence that sits atop a rocky-faced peninsula on the left. A stone building is on the point to the right. This dial also displays the hours, minutes, seconds, and calendar day. It is interesting to note that all of the numerals are in an Arabic format. A gilt ring frames the time ring. Apples are used as the decoration feature in each of the four corner or spandrel locations. The clockmaker signs this dial-in script lettering, "Frederic Wingate." This signature area also includes his working location, "Augusta," and is numbered "No. 118."
Behind the dial is a finely constructed brass movement that is considered good quality. Four-turned pillars support the two brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions and brass gearing. The winding drums are grooved. The escapement is designed in a recoil format. The movement is weight driven and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It is a two-train or a time-and-strike design having 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 clock was made circa 1813.
This case is approximately 92.5 inches tall, 18.75 wide, and 9.75 inches deep.
It is inventory number VV-134.
Frederick Wingate was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on January 11, 1782, and died in Augusta, Maine, on November 16, 1864. His parents were William Wingate (1745-1821) and Mehitable (Bradley) Wingate (1747-1796). His older brother, Paine Wingate (1767-1833), worked as a clockmaker in Boston as early as 1789 and returned to Haverhill before 1795, possibly giving him the chance to train Frederick. On January 17, 1806, Frederick married Hannah Page of Haverhill, and that same year, they moved to Augusta, Maine. A label inside one of his tall clocks from 1806 says he had for sale "good warranted Brass Eight Day Clocks, well finished and as handsome as can be purchased in the metrolopus. Also – Warranted WATCHES... / CHAINS, SEALS, KEYS & etc."
In 1814, Frederick served as a soldier in the War of 1812. Soon after, he began advertising different military goods for sale.
Frederick worked as a silversmith, watchmaker, and clockmaker, and became one of Maine's most prolific clockmakers. He may have learned his trade in Massachusetts before moving to Augusta. As a clockmaker, he made many tall clocks, as well as some banjo and mirror clocks. Many of his tall clock dials are numbered, with the lowest recorded by our family being 15 and the highest 302. In 1808, Frederick taught Benjamin Swan, who was from Augusta, to make clocks. Swan's clocks are often very similar to Frederick's, sharing features like case design, contrasting woods, and Nolen & Curtis dials. Many Augusta clocks also use figured maple in the waist door and base panel, have distinctively shaped waist and hood columns, and Boston-painted dials by Spencer Nolen. Quite a few Wingate clocks still have their original setup labels, which are usually pasted inside the waist door and help date the clocks.
