Martin Cheney Windsor, Vermont Tall Clock. Number 18. Clockmaker & Silversmith. 25206.
This is an excellent inlaid mahogany case. The painted dial is signed by the Windsor, Vermont, clockmaker Martin Cheney. This example is also numbered "18" on the dial.
This is an outstanding inlaid mahogany cased tall clock. A formal case of high style and quality, considering it is of rural Vermont origin. The case is well proportioned. It is supported by nicely formed flared French feet. A wonderfully shaped apron drops down from the center section. The base panel features a nicely veneered panel, which is framed with a cross-banded mahogany border that is trimmed with line inlay. The waist is long and narrow. It features a large, rectangular waist door fitted with applied molding. The center of this door also features a figured selection of mahogany veneer. This is also framed with a cross-banded border and line inlay. Open this door, and one can access the inside of the case. The sides of the waist are fitted with fluted quarter columns. These terminate in brass quarter capitals. The bonnet features a New England-style pierced and open fretwork pattern supported with three inlaid plinths. Each is surmounted by a brass ball and spiked finials. Fully turned and fluted bonnet columns support the molded arch and are mounted in brass capitals. These columns flank the sides of the arched bonnet door. This door is line inlaid. It is fitted with glass and opens to access the clock's dial.
The dial is iron and is colorfully painted. It is an American dial because it lacks a false plate, and the painted decoration lacks the imported formality. The four spandrel areas feature depictions of strawberries. In the arch are two red-breasted birds. This dial features the traditional time ring formatting. It does not display the calendar. It is signed by the clockmaker and numbered in the conventional location. It reads, "M. CHENEY WINDSOR VERMONT NO. 18."
The time and strike movement is brass, eight-day duration, and of good quality. It is weight-driven and will strike each hour on a cast-iron bell. The plates of the movement are skeletonized.
This clock stands 7 feet 2.5 inches tall.
It was made circa 1805.
Inventory number 25206.
In 1778 Martin Cheney was born into a well-known and established clockmaking family. He was one of four clockmakers born to Benjamin Cheney 1725-1815 and Elizabeth Long Cheney in East Hartford, Connecticut. Benjamin most likely trained all four of his boys in the art of clockmaking. Asahel was the oldest and was born in 1759. He moves on to Vermont. Elisha was born in 1770 and died in 1847. He settled in Berlin, Connecticut. Russell was younger. It appears he moved North to Putney, Vermont. Martin also had an uncle, Timothy 1731-1795. He became a well-known clockmaker in East Hartford and worked closely with Benjamin.
By 1803, Martin moved up the Connecticut River to Windsor, Vermont. In 1804, he advertised that he had fine English Watches, watch keys, chains, and seals for sale. Martin moved to Montreal in 1809. Here he remained for some twenty years. In 1827, Martin placed an advertisement in the Burlington, Vermont newspaper for a journeyman clockmaker to work with him in Montreal. In 1817, he partnered with J. A. Dwight and advertised this business as Cheney & Dwight, located at 104 St. Paul Street. This partnership lasted until 1830.
Several clocks have been recorded by this Maker. Pictured in "The Best the Country Affords: Vermont Furniture 1765 – 1850" is a signed brass dial tall clock by Asahel Cheney. On the seat boat of that clock is written, "This clock was made by Martin Cheney," implying that the two worked with each other on occasion. There is also a Massachusetts Shelf clock form with an engraved kidney-style brass dial in the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. This clock is signed by "Martin Cheney Windsor." This clock has a strong Boston influence.
