An Important Federal Mahogany Tall Case Clock, by Joshua Wilder, Hingham, MA, made circa 1820. Cabinetmaker Abiel White constructed the cabinet. 225041.
This attractive cross-banded mahogany case tall clock features works made by the important Southeastern Massachusetts clockmaker Joshua Wilder [1786-1860]. Wilder served his apprenticeship under the instruction of John Bailey II [1751-1823] and became a leading member of the renowned and influential group of Quaker clockmakers from the Hingham and Hanover area of Massachusetts. Bailey had a long-established relationship with Weymouth, Massachusetts's cabinetmaker Abiel White [1766-1844]. Wilder, similarly, commenced a lengthy and successful relationship with White during the early 19th Century. Proof of this is the majority of the attractive clock cases, which house Wilder's movements, are attributed to White.
This fine example features a case constructed of high-quality, figured mahogany. The modern shellac finish enhances the naturally rich color of this beautiful imported and exotic wood. The cabinet stands on four nicely formed flared French feet. Between the feet is a double-drop apron. The feet transition smoothly into the base section and are visually defined from the base, with a band of inlay forming the bottom run of a cross-banded framing around the panel's perimeter. This inlaid construction element is repeated in the design of the long rectangular waist door. The cabinetmaker chose the veneers for the base panel and the waist door for the exuberant crotch grain patterns. These are choice selections of veneer. An applied molding frames the outside edge of the waist door. This door provides access to the pendulum, and two red-painted tin can drive weights inside the case. Smoothly turned quarter columns are inset on the front corners of the waist. These terminate at both ends in brass quarter capitals. The bonnet is surmounted with delicately scrolling open fretwork in a distinctive regional pattern. The design incorporates three capped finial plinths, each mounted with a brass ball and spike finial. The panels on the sides of the hood are fitted with glazed tombstone-shaped sidelights. These provide a view of the brass works. A pair of tapered colonnettes with brass capitals and bases flank the arch-glazed door. The dial door opens to a wonderfully painted dial of Boston manufacture.
The 13-inch iron dial features a painted moon phase disk in the lunette, decorated with hand-painted scenes and moon faces. One side of the moon disk depicts a coastal scene with a cottage, and the other is a frigate at sail. At the base of this lunette are two hemispheres decorated with detailed terrestrial maps. Four conch shell-themed spandrels frame the time ring. The prominent colors of these painted decorations are red, yellow, and gold coloring. The clock face displays the time on a ring formatted with Arabic quarter makers on the outer edge of a closed and segmented minute ring. Roman-style numerals mark each hour. An outer band of gilt piping frames this ring of numerals. The dial is fitted with a seconds bit with a steel pointer above the center arbor and a calendar dial with a steel pointer below. The dial is signed in flowing calligraphy below the center arbor with the maker's name, "Warranted By J. Wilder."
This movement is constructed in brass and of good quality. It is weight-driven and designed to run for eight days on a full wind, ensuring that you can rely on it for accurate timekeeping. With its rack and snail striking system, the time and strike design adds a practical element to this elegant clock, striking each hour on the hour on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement.
Dimensions: Height including center finial: 8 feet 1 inch or 97 inches; Width 21.5 inches; Depth 10.5 inches.
Inventory number 225041.
Joshua Wilder was born in Hingham, Massachusetts, on December 2, 1786. He was trained in the art of clockmaking by John Bailey Jr. of Hanover, MA. Wilder completed this apprenticeship sometime around 1807. It appears he stayed in Hanover briefly before moving back to Hingham to establish his home and business on Main Street in the South Parish. Wilder was the first clockmaker to settle in this prosperous town. He found a ready market for tall case clocks, dwarf clocks, wall timepieces, the Massachusetts shelf form, and mirror clocks. Wilder becomes one of America’s most prolific Makers of the dwarf clock form.
Joshua Wilder was active in the local religious Society of Friends. He became known locally as the “Old Quaker Joshua Wilder.” He was also involved with the Temperance Society and Peace Society of Hingham. Wilder’s business eventually evolves into a retailer of common goods. Wilder is said to have trained several Clockmakers, including his son Ezra Wilder, Reuben Tower, Allen Kelley, and Phillip Bennet. About 1840, it is said that his son Ezra joined him in business. Joshua died on October 4, 1860, in the town of Scituate.
A fair number of clocks made by this maker have been found. Many of these are the dwarf form but also include tall case clocks, timepieces, shelf clocks, and mirror clocks in much smaller numbers. Currently, the Hingham Library is displaying a tall case clock he made.
