Jonathan Winslow. A Massachusetts wooden geared dwarf clock. LL-148.
This unique country example, known as a "Dwarf clock," Stands at a modest 47 inches. Crafted from cherry, it retains an older, possibly original finish. The four feet, cut out from the base panel, elevate the case from the floor. The long, narrow waist is fitted with a door that provides access to the pendulum and weights, and is framed with a reeded molding. This reeded detail is also used on the upper and lower bonnet moldings. The smoothly turned hood columns visually support the hood's top, which is adorned with three wooden turned finials and a swan-neck pediment, adding to its unique charm.
The rectangular-shaped dial, painted onto the back of a piece of glass, is in excellent condition, a testament to the clock's quality and care. The time ring, formatted with Roman hour numerals, is complemented by the lower spandrels decorated in a geometric fan pattern and the upper spandrels featuring bell flowers. The arch features a patriotic scene, with an American eagle clutching a shield in its claws, a flag, a drum, and a cannon. The two hands, left exposed, are steel and finely made, retaining much of their original gilding.
The movement is constructed of wood. The plates and gears are cherry, and the pinions are maple. Wooden geared clocks such as this are designed to run for 30 hours when wound and strike the hour on the cast-iron bell mounted above the movement. This clock is signed on the seatboard. The die stamp reads, "J. Winslow."
This clock was made circa 1820.
This clock is discussed on page 335 of American Wooden Movement Tall Clocks by Philip Morris, linking it to recognized horological history. Additional Winslow examples are detailed in Horology Americana (page 28) and The American Clock (page 82), establishing its provenance and historical significance for collectors and buyers.
Inventory number LL-148.
Jonathan Winslow, a notable figure in early American clockmaking, was born in Rochester, Massachusetts, on August 15, 1765. He was the son of Shubael and Azubah (Blogett) Winslow. His work in towns like New Salem, Worcester, Brookfield, Palmer, and Springfield reflects his regional influence. He married Elizabeth Bailey of Worcester on January 1, 1790. In 1795, he was advertised as a “Brookfield clockmaker,” And by 1818, he was advertising in Springfield. Winslow's clocks exemplify early American craftsmanship, and his life offers insight into the development of regional clockmaking traditions. He died in Springfield on July 20, 1847, leaving a legacy that warrants further exploration for horologists and historians alike.
It is thought by some that he served his apprenticeship with the Cheneys in East Hartford, Connecticut, who were primarily wooden works clockmakers. This information is disputed in Philip Morris’s new book, American Wooden Movement Tall Clocks 1712 - 1835, due to the lack of similarity in construction styles. We have seen and owned several Winslow dwarf clocks over the last forty-five years, which are valued for their distinctive craftsmanship. Many of these clocks are die-stamped on the seatboard by the Maker. This case form appears to be the most common form of this Maker’s output. There might be fewer than half a dozen of these dwarf cases pictured in the horological literature. A similar clock is pictured in Horology Americana, written by Lester Dworetsky and Robert Dickstein, on page 28. Another example is pictured in The American Clock, written by William H. Distin and Robert Bishop on page 82.
