John Edwards. Ashby, Massachusetts. A 30-hour wooden geared Tall clock in a cherry case. 225048.
This cherry case example, a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the Ashby community, exhibits one of the more common Ashby case forms. Because the case is constructed in cherry, it may have been a special order. Most of the Ashby cases seen today feature pine cases finished in a red wash. Cherry is considered a premium wood and was sold for an additional cost. It is revered for its tight grain and natural warm tones.
This well-proportioned cabinet is raised on an applied bracket base. Included in the scrolling design of the feet is a subtle spur. The waist is long and narrow, enhancing the overall excellent proportions of this form. A large tombstone-shaped waist door is centered here. It provides access to the pendulum and two tin can drive weights. The bonnet is a molded, arched design. The arch is surmounted with original fretwork, three plinths, and three turned wooden finials. The bonnet door is an arched form and is fitted with glass. Fully turned and free-standing bonnet columns support the upper bonnet molding.
The wooden arched dial is colorfully painted, much like the iron dials of the period. The dial artwork even includes two painted winding arbors. These give the impression it is a brass works clock. The spandrel areas and the lunette are decorated with floral designs framed in gilt patterns. This dial is signed by the Maker above the Roman numeral six on the time ring. The signature reads “J. Edwards / Ashby.” The time ring is formatted with Roman hour numerals, a dotted minute ring, and Arabic quarter-hour markers. Pewter hands display the time. This dial is attached to two wooden strips that mount it to the movement via four wooden dial feet.
The wooden geared movement is the construction one expects from the Ashby community of clockmakers. The large wooden plates are supported by five wooden posts. The verge is designed to be adjustable. The winding drums are divided. Winding this example is done by pulling a cord inside the case. It becomes a daily ritual because it is required every 30 hours. The motion work features heavily raked teeth. The movement is a time-and-strike design featuring a large count wheel mounted on the backplate. It strikes each hour on a cast iron bell.
This clock, a product of the skilled hands of John Edwards, was made circa 1815.
The overall height of this example is 7 feet 9.5 inches tall. The hood is 20 inches wide and 11 inches deep.
Inventory number 225048.
John B. Edwards was the son of Ashby clockmaker Abraham and Rebecca (Houghton) Edwards. John was born in Ashby on October 20, 1787. Abraham and his first wife, Rebecca, had four children before Rebecca died in 1813. Their four children are Rebecca, b. April 1, 1785, John, b. October 20, 1787, Sally, b. September 28, 1794, and Abraham, A. b. June 17, 1796.
It is reported that John not only created wooden geared movements but also designed his own cases. A tall clock case that is thought to have been made by him is in the Old Sturbridge Village Clock Collection. The case is signed in chalk on the backboard.
On June 13, 1811, John married Libby Waters in Ashby. John lived a total of 38 years and died on October 1, 1825, in Ashby.
John was a clockmaker. We have owned and seen several examples of his work. The movements have been very similar to the thirty-hour wooden geared clocks made by his Father and the other Ashby clockmakers.
