A reproduction Girandole wall timepiece. This clock may have been made by James Conlon in Boston. 226035.
This is an outstanding reproduction of a Girandole Timepiece. This form was made famous by the Concord, Massachusetts, Clockmaker Lemuel Curtis.
Lemuel Curtis began as an apprentice to the Willards in Boston in 1802. By 1811, he was working as a journeyman and moved to Concord, Massachusetts, where he opened his own shop specializing in timepieces. Over time, he improved Simon Willard's original design, such as introducing a single screw movement mounting system and making changes to the clock's suspension. His most notable achievement was designing the elegant Girandole form. Although it was not a financial success and only a small number were made, many of these original clocks are now in top museum collections. Since then, both individuals and companies have reproduced this style, including The Waltham Clock Company, Elmer Stennes, and Foster Campos.
This beautiful mahogany case was made around 1920 and is modeled after the Lemuel Curtis Girandole clocks from the 1820s. The woodwork and finish have been carefully treated to give it the appearance of an antique. As a result, it looks much older than it actually is. This brings us to James Conlon.
James Edward Conlon (1880–1948) was an antique dealer and clockmaker-restorer who worked in Boston from the 1910s to the 1940s. He was skilled with his hands and enjoyed studying the work of clockmakers from a century earlier. Conlon was well respected among collectors and liked to share his research. He gave talks on New England clockmaking history at local historical societies and at the Boston Clock Club, a group for enthusiasts. The club was exclusive and usually did not allow dealers, but made an exception for Conlon. They described him as someone who "has long been engaged as a clockmaker and probably has had a broader experience with fine clocks than any other person in this section. In addition to his practical experience, he has in years past devoted a great deal of time and energy to consideration of the origin and history of New England clockmakers." Today, it is believed that he made several museum-quality copies of early American clock styles, though he rarely signed his own name. Collectors have attributed out-of-period Willard timepieces, wall primitives, and Curtis-style Girandole clocks to Conlon. This reputation has continued over the years. After closely examining this clock, it seems likely that it could be one of his works.
This impressive clock is about forty-four inches long and has balanced proportions. The frames, eagle finial, and lower bracket are beautifully gilded with gold leaf. These parts are in very good condition and have a manufactured patina that gives them an antique look. The finish is designed to look aged. The lower door has 30 individual balls, some of which have been restored. The lower bracket is skillfully carved with excellent detail. The eagle finial is made of wood, with wings spread as if ready to take flight from the ball beneath it. A gold chain hangs from its wings. Other decorative elements on the case are made of brass. The reverse-formed sidearms have floral-style caps at both ends, and the brass bezel is decorated with 24 applied brass balls.
The two lower frames hold expertly painted eglomise tablets, inspired by the Curtis example in Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. These colorful, reverse-painted tablets are beautifully done. They are slightly convex, which creates reflections when photographing the clock. The throat panel shows a detailed traditional design in shades of green, red, and gold, with intricate borders. The upper panel displays a basket of fruit, while the lower section shows an urn above a red banner that reads “PATENT.” The bottom circular tablet features a chariot scene titled "AURORA." This theme is popular but rarely painted with such skill. The technique, colors, and details are excellent. Aurora is shown in her chariot, pulled by two winged white horses, traveling across the morning sky to announce her brother Helios, the sun god. In the center of the tablet is a small, plain area where you can see the pendulum moving. The brass-faced bob swings behind this opening, with painted rays coming from this spot. The scene is framed by a multi-colored border that matches the throat section.
Traditional Girandole clocks have convex dials, and this clock also features a convex metal dial. It is painted with a white, crackled finish to give it an aged look. The time ring has a closed minute ring, and the hours are marked with short, bold Arabic numerals. A gilt band frames the inner border of the time ring. The center of the dial is signed, “L. Curtis / PATENT.” The hour and minute hands are in the Curtis style, with a row of circles ending in arrow pointers. The clock’s mechanism is located behind the dial.
The movement is made of brass and is powered by a weight, allowing it to run for eight days. The gear train has finely cut teeth, and the cast-iron weight drops below the mechanism in the center of the case.
This is a remarkable example of a beautiful clock.
Inventory number 226035.
James Edward Conlon was born in 1880 in Little Rock, Minnesota. For many years he operated a shop at 38 Providence Street in Boston as an antiques dealer and clockmaker/restorer who worked in Boston from the 1910s through the 1940s. He was trained or served his apprenticeship under George Greer in Dorchester, MA, and worked as a journeyman clockmaker for John L. Knight and the Wilson Brothers of Boston before going out alone. He was very talented with his hands and also enjoyed researching the Clockmakers that worked a century before him. He was highly respected in the community of collectors and was eager to share his research with others. He gave lectures on the history of New England clock-making at several local historical societies. He also lectured at a Boston Clock Club meeting, an organization formed to share information about clockmakers by their enthusiasts. The Boston Clock Club restricted their membership and excluded dealers. They made an exception for James Conlon. This organization describes James Conlon as someone who “has long been engaged as a clockmaker and probably has had a broader experience with fine clocks than any other person in this section. In addition to his practical experience, he has in years past devoted a great deal of time and energy to consideration of the origin and history of New England clockmakers.” He produced a number of museum-quality copies of several early American clocks.
Interestingly enough, Conlon did not sign his clocks with his name. As a result, we have seen out-of-period Willard wall primitives, timepieces, lyre clocks, lighthouse clocks, and Curtis-style girandole clocks that have been attributed to Conlon by the collectors of his day. This folklore has been passed down through the years. James E. Conlon died on December 31, 1948, at his home in Brookline, MA. He left behind his six sons and five daughters. His Son, James G. Conlon, took over the business in 1948.
