James C. Cole of Rochester, New Hampshire. A birch case tall clock. PP-162.
This tall case clock exhibits traditional New England proportions. It is constructed in birch and retains its original red wash. It is also a manageable size measuring approximately 7 feet 10 inches tall to the top of the center finial. It is 20.5 inches wide and 9.75 inches deep.
This case stands on a cut out bracket base. The feet retain excellent height and the scrolled apron that connects them is subtly formed. The waist section is long. A large rectangular waist door is centered in this section of the case. The door is trimmed with a molded edge. Through this door, one can access the weights and pendulum. The sides of the case are fitted with smoothly turned quarter columns. These terminate in brass mounted quarter capitals. The bonnet is surmounted with an open fret work pattern. The three reeded chimney plinths are capped at the top and each supports a brass ball and spike finial. The bonnet columns are also turned smooth. These are free standing and mounted into brass capitals. They flank the arched door which is fitted with glass.
The iron dial is decoratively painted. The four spandrel areas are decorated with colorful floral themes. The arch of this dial features a lunar calendar or moon phase mechanism. The time track is formatted with Roman numeral hour markers and Arabic numerals are used to mark the five minute increments of the hours. With in the time track is a subsidiary seconds dial and a day of the month calendar. This dial is signed by the clockmaker. The signature has faded. It the right light, one can plainly see that it was signed “James C. Cole \/ ROCHESTER \/ N. H.” This signature is positioned just below the calendar aperture.
This fine movement is constructed in brass and is good quality. The four turned pillars that support the two brass plates are steel. Both plates have been aggressively cut or shaped in an attempt to conserve brass. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions and brass gearing. The winding drums are grooved. The escapement is designed as a recoil format. The movement is weight driven and designed to run 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 which is mounted above the movement.
This clock was made circa 1800.
Inventory Number PP-162.
James Charles Cole was born in Boston in 1791 and died in Rochester, New Hampshire, in 1867. At an early age, Cole traveled from Boston to Rochester to learn the trades of clockmaking and the sale of jewelry and flatware under the guidance of Edward S. Moulton. In 1813, Cole assumed control of Moulton's business and premises at the corner of Main and Arrow Streets. After Moulton relocated from Rochester, New Hampshire, to Saco, Maine, Cole’s business prospered. Cole demonstrated both energy and conscientiousness. He demolished the original building and constructed a brick replacement, with the upper floor serving as the Masonic Lodge. He employed several journeymen, apprentices, and a cabinetmaker to prepare clock cases. These clocks were distributed widely throughout the region. Cole achieved a broad reputation for his work.
While residing in Rochester, Cole married Betsey Nutter, daughter of John D. Nutter and Hannah Dennett. Betsey was born on March 27, 1802, in Barnstead, New Hampshire. Her younger brother, John, also learned clockmaking in Rochester. James and Betsey had two sons and three daughters, and Cole became a respected member of the community. He worked as a silversmith, produced various types of clocks, and repaired watches and jewelry. Cole was active in local affairs, serving on the committee to build a new church and acting as a trustee for the local savings bank. He served ten years as secretary of the Masonic lodge, thirteen years as town clerk, and two years in the State legislature. According to the Town History, Charles Dennett crafted the cases for Cole's clocks.
Numerous tall-case clocks, banjo clocks, and New Hampshire mirror clocks bearing Cole's signature on the dial have passed through our shop. The prevalence of these pieces indicates that James Cole was a successful clockmaker.
