Silas Hoadley Miniature Time & Alarm Clock. Mantel clock. SS-166.
This is a rare miniature time and alarm shelf clock made by Silas Hoadley of Plymouth, Connecticut. This clock is in fine condition. The case is mahogany and measures 26" tall. It is elevated on feet. The front feet are nicely carved in the form of animal paws. The two back feet are turned. Fully turned columns flank the sides of the case. They are gilt decorated, as is the splat at the top of the case. The decoration is in excellent original condition. The mirror in the lower section of the door appears to be period. It may be an old replacement. This door opens the length of the case to allow access to the movement dial and pendulum. The wooden dial is colorfully painted, featuring florals in the spandrel or corner areas. The "Upside down" wooden works movement is a thirty-hour time and alarm design. The weight-driven alarm is set by moving the third hand to the desired hour. The Maker's label is pasted onto the backboard and is in excellent condition.
This clock was made circa 1830.
Inventory number SS-166.
Silas Hoadley was born in Bethany, Connecticut, on January 31, 1786. He was the son of Ammi Hoadley and Amy (Thompson) Hoadley. He first apprenticed as a joiner to his uncle Calvin Hoadley. Along with Seth Thomas, he was hired in about 1808, at the age of 21, by Eli Terry to set up and work at Terry's Ireland factory in order to fulfill the Porter contract. Shortly after Terry's Porter Contract was satisfied, he and Seth Thomas bought the Ireland factory from Terry. Thomas & Hoadley continued to manufacture wooden geared tall clock movements until 1813, when Silas purchased Seth Thomas's business shares. Hoadley soon transitioned to shelf clocks, manufacturing movements of his own design. The "Upside down" style is one of the more unique examples. This movement placed the great wheels at the top of the movement. Its escapewheel was mounted at the bottom of the works between the plates. He is also thought to have introduced the use of ivory bushings in movement design. In the late 1830s, Silas transitioned to manufacturing brass movements. He retired in 1849 as a wealthy man, a testament to his hard work and dedication. Silas Hoadley died on December 28, 1870, in Plymouth, Conn.
