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John Boyd of Black Horse Farm in Sadsburyville, Chester County, Pennsylvania. 211024.

 

This mahogany-cased tall clock is crafted from beautifully figured mahogany veneers. The selection of mahogany for the case is well considered and is positioned to accentuate the form. This example stands on four nicely turned feet at the base. They appear to be original to this clock. The base section is framed by a wide cross-banded border, with an inlaid panel. The corners are chamfered and terminate in delicate lamb's tongue moldings. The waist section features an access door. This also features a cross-banded mahogany border and excellent veneer selections. The corners of the waist are canted and terminate at the length of the waist door in simple lamb's tongue moldings. The bonnet is a swan's neck form ending in turned rosettes. A single-turned wooden finial surmounts this case and is positioned between the arches. Fully turned and spiral twisted bonnet columns flank the arched glazed door. It opens to a large, colorfully painted iron dial that is signed by the clockmaker. 

Numerous dials similar to this have been found with the Artist's labels applied to the back. The artwork on this dial is attributed to the Patton & Jones firm located in Philadelphia. This dial features a moon-phase design that tracks the lunar calendar. This lunar calendar is constant at 29.5 days. This dial also displays hours, minutes, seconds, and days of the month. The four spandrel areas are decorated with bright floral themes. 

The movement is constructed of brass and is designed to run for 8 days. It is also designed to strike the hour on a bell. It is of good quality. 

This clock was made circa 1830 and stands approximately 7 feet 10 inches tall. 

Inventory number 211024.

 

 

John Boyd was born in 1805. His father, Michael Wallace Boyd, died on November 8th in 1827. John inherited the duties of running the family farm and Tavern. There, he established his clock shop. In 1857, John married Sarah Armstrong from the nearby village of Compass. John became a large landowner. The 1830 tax records record that he owned 90 acres at that time. He died on April 26, 1867. He left his property to his wife and children. 

  • John Boyd of Black Horse Farm in Sadsburyville, Chester County, Pennsylvania. 211024
  • John Boyd. Sadsburyville, Chester County, Pennsylvania. 211024. Delaney Antique Clocks.
  • John Boyd. Tall clock dial. Pennsylvania. 211024. Delaney Antique Clocks.