An Important polychrome paint decorated Tall Case Clock with a skeletonized movement attributed to John Bailey II, Hanover, MA, Circa 1810. XXSL-89.
This is a dramatic example with flourishes grained in various shades of brownish reds. The unique design, with its vibrant colors and distinctive patterns, lends a sense of exclusivity and personality to the piece, making it an exceptional addition to any collection.
This distinctive painted pine case tall clock retains its original surface. The painted decoration follows the form of a formal mahogany case example. The complex hand-grained patterns, meticulously crafted to simulate choice crotch veneers, thin line inlay, and veneered cross-banding, are a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans who crafted them.
The molded hood is mounted with three rectangular-shaped chimneys, each capped at the top, supporting a brass ball-and-spike finial. The chimneys also support the regional scrolled and pierced fretwork, mimicking the shape of the arch or cornice molding. Smoothly turned and painted pilasters with brass capitals and bases flank the glazed, hinged tombstone-form dial door with brass pull. This dial door features a painted pattern that mimics cross-banded inlay.
The door opens to a finely painted dial of Boston origin, featuring a painted nautical scene in the lunette that depicts a fully rigged sailing ship rounding the harbor jetty and heading out to sea. This scene is well-suited to the area's rich maritime heritage. The bold Roman-style hour numerals are separated from the Arabic five-minute makers by a dotted minute ring. The dial display also features a seconds subdial with a steel pointer positioned above the center arbor and a calendar aperture located below the center arbor. The center arbor is fitted with original steel hands. The dial has holes for two winding arbors, which indicates that the movement is time and strike.
The weight-driven movement, which is of eight-day duration, is constructed with "skeletonized" brass plates. "Skeletonized" refers to those clock movements that have the unused portions of their brass plates cut away, creating a distinctive, pierced, skeleton-like appearance. John Bailey II and his brother Calvin developed this thrifty technique to diminish the waste of expensive brass. These early clocks with skeletonized movements are directly associated with John Bailey Jr. II (1751-1823). John was not only the first known clockmaker from this area, but he was responsible for training an important group of makers who would flourish in this region during the ensuing 19th Century. The movement is fitted with an original steel shaft pendulum with a brass-faced lead bob and a pair of drive weights. The movement rests on a wooden "saddle board" and is original to the case. The movement has recently been serviced and is in excellent running condition, ensuring that the clock is not just a beautiful piece of history, but also a functional timepiece.
The hood transitions to the waist section with a molding. The front corners of the waist are set with smoothly turned quarter columns, featuring brass capitals and bases, that flank a molded rectangular pendulum door. The pendulum door is elaborately painted and decorated with simulations of linear geometric inlay, cross-banding, and a crotch mahogany panel. This hinged door has a brass lock with a shaped brass keyhole escutcheon.
The waist transitions to the base with a flared molding. The front panel is decorated like the waist door. It features an additional row of banding. The four feet, with shaped returns and a double-drop apron, are scrolled out of the base section.
Dimensions: Height including center finial 93", Width 21"; Depth 10 ½"
Inventory number XXSL-89.
John Bailey II was born in Hanover, Massachusetts, the son of Colonel John (A shipbuilder) and Ruth Randall Bailey on May 6, 1751. He died there 72 years later, on January 23, 1823. It is thought that he learned clockmaking at a very young age and may have been self-taught. John is responsible for training numerous apprentices, including his younger brothers Calvin and Lebbeus, his son John III, Joseph Gooding, Ezra Kelley, and Hingham's Joshua Wilder. Many of these trained apprentices moved to other towns in southeastern Massachusetts and became well known in their local communities. John was the most prolific maker of the six Baileys in the clock business. In addition, he was a Quaker preacher, an ingenious mechanic, and an instrument maker. Other examples of his work include a surveyor's compass in the Hanover Historical Society's collection. He was also an inventor and received a patent for a steam-operated roasting jack. This device was designed to turn the meat over a fire to cook it more evenly.
John's clocks are roughly divided into two categories. The first is a home-developed style. These examples often have sheet brass dials engraved and silver-washed. Several examples of movements constructed in wood are known to us. Others are built in brass, and the plates are fully skeletonized. Some of these later clocks incorporate wooden winding drums. It is interesting to note that he made both types of strike trains. We have seen examples he signed that feature a count wheel setup and the more popular rack-and-snail setup. Very few clockmakers used both setups. The cases are typically constructed from indigenous woods, including maple and cherry. These examples have pleasing country proportions and lack the sophistication of the Roxbury school. The 'Roxbury/Boston influence' refers to the design and craftsmanship styles that were popular in these areas at the time. Sometime around 1790, this influence must have played a significant role in John's production. The movements in these examples are more apt to incorporate fully plated movements. In addition, the cases resemble those being turned out by the Willard School to the North. These feature mahogany cases, often decorated with inlays. This second generation of output is much more formal in appearance.
Our collection over the years has included a diverse range of clocks crafted by John Bailey II. From tall case clocks to dwarf clocks, banjo or wall timepieces, and the unique Massachusetts shelf clock form, his versatility as a clockmaker is truly intriguing.
