James C. Cole tall clock made in Rochester, New Hampshire, featuring a festive dial. 25229.
This tall case clock exhibits traditional New England proportions. It is constructed in birch and retains its original red wash. Birch is a naturally light colored wood. It was common practice to tint or stain country furniture made of birch to simulate the colors of warmer-appearing woods like cherry and mahogany.
This fine birch case is supported on an applied bracket base that rests flat on the floor. The base section features two inset panels. It is worth noting that this unusual design feature is seldom seen in New England clock case construction. The waist section features smoothly turned quarter columns. These are inset in the front corners of the case and terminate in brass quarter capitals and bases. The rectangular waist door provides access to the protected space where the two drive weights and the brass-faced pendulum travel. The door is trimmed with a simple molded edge and fitted with a decorative pierced brass escutcheon that frames the door lock. The bonnet retains its original pierced, open fretwork pattern—one which I have not seen before. Capped plinths support the frets, each topped with a brass ball and spiked finials. Smoothly turned hood columns visually support the molded arch. These are mounted in brass capitals and bases on either side of the arched and glazed bonnet door.
The iron dial was painted by the Nolen & Curtis firm in Boston, known for its distinctive style. The lunette area has a festive design, with a gilded urn surrounded by bright red swags and gilded cornucopias. Green leaves and red berries sit at the top of each horn. Each of the four spandrels features apples. A gilt ring outlines the time ring. The quarter hours are marked in Arabic numerals, separated from the Roman hour numerals by a dotted minute ring. The clock has diamond-shaped steel hands, a seconds dial, and a calendar display in their usual places. The dial is signed just below the calendar opening: "James C. Cole, / Rochester".
This movement is constructed with four-turned pillars that support the two brass plates. They support the hardened steel shafts, polished steel pinions, brass gearing, recoil escapement, and grooved winding drums. This movement is a two-train design with a rack-and-snail striking system. As a result, it strikes each hour on the hour on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement. It is weight-powered and designed to run for eight days before requiring a rewind. The movement is fitted with an original steel shaft pendulum with a brass-capped lead bob. 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.
This clock was made circa 1815.
The case is a practical size, about 7 feet 5 inches tall to the top of the center finial. It measures roughly 20.5 inches wide and 9.75 inches deep at the upper bonnet molding.
Inventory number 25229.
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.
