Simon Willard. Hepplewhite mahogany tall clock with original J. & Jos. N. Russell printed set-up label. The dial is inscribed “Warranted for Mr. David Wood.” 226019.

This inlaid mahogany tall clock stands as a significant artifact of early American horology, crafted by the renowned Simon Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts, for Mr. David Wood. Its creation reflects both the technical and artistic advancements of late 18th-century America, as well as the growing importance of personalized craftsmanship for distinguished clients. The commission for Mr. Wood included custom specifications—such as case height, intricate inlay patterns, and a sophisticated lunar display on the dial—that exemplify the era's bespoke approach to luxury objects. The clock is further distinguished by its original setup label, printed by J. & Jos. N. Russell at their Quaker Lane shop in Boston and affixed to the back of the waist door, providing valuable provenance and a rare glimpse into period marketing and distribution practices. With a storied history of ownership, including Israel Sack provenance, the clock is recognized and illustrated in authoritative reference works such as American Antiques from the Israel Sack Collection, Vol. 3(Washington, DC: Highland House Publishers, Inc., 1972), p. 814, no. P3439, and Horology Americana by Lester Dworesty and Robert Dickstein, p. 16. This clock not only embodies the artistry and innovation of its maker but also serves as a tangible link to the social, economic, and technological landscape of Federal-era Boston.

This tall clock exemplifies the formal "Roxbury" style cases that gained popularity in Boston during the late eighteenth century. Produced in the Roxbury section, the region was renowned for its diverse artisan community, including furnituremakers, cabinetmakers, carvers, gilders, ornamental artists, ironmongers, blacksmiths, watchmakers, and clockmakers. Craftsmen in Roxbury produced clock cases noted for high-quality construction, select mahogany, brass stop fluting, and balanced proportions. This example was made by Simon Willard (Grafton, Massachusetts, April 3, 1753 – Boston, Massachusetts, August 30, 1848), a prolific and innovative clockmaker active for over sixty-five years. Willard trained numerous notable clockmakers, supplied clocks to prominent citizens, and was a patriot during the American Revolution.

This clock remains in excellent condition, with a well-preserved surface that highlights the mahogany's figure and fine line inlays. The golden hue of the mahogany enhances its visual appeal. The case retains a highly desirable J. & Jos. N. Russell setup label. The firm appears in the Boston Directories in 1796 and by 1798 is listed separately. Their shop was on Quaker Lane near the Old State House, between 11 Congress Street and Fifty Devonshire Street, and between 25 Congress Street and 31 State Street. The Russell label helps date the clock and closely resembles the Isaiah Thomas Jr printed label, which Willard also used. The main textual difference between the two labels is the price of the large steeple clock: the Russell label lists a single-dial clock at $500, while the Thomas label lists it at $300. Printed labels, when present, add value and appeal to Simon Willard's clocks. Collectors regard a Roxbury case clock with a Simon Willard setup label as among the most prized furniture forms.

The inlaid mahogany case demonstrates excellent proportions and refined inlay decoration. It stands on four ogee bracket feet attached beneath the double-stepped base molding. The base features a thin line inlay along its perimeter, with an oval inlay depicting a conch shell on a green background at the center. The long, narrow waist section includes a large tombstone-shaped door, trimmed with applied molding and matching line-inlay. An urn with florals, also on a green background, is centered on the door. A brass escutcheon protects the keyhole, and the door provides access to the two tin can drive weights and the brass-faced pendulum bob. The setup label is affixed to the back of the door. Brass stopped fluted quarter columns with brass capitals and bases flank the case. The bonnet features open fretwork, capped and line-inlaid finial plinths, and three brass ball and spire finials. Fully turned, brass stop fluted bonnet columns support the upper molding and are mounted in brass capitals. The hood sides have glass side lights, and the arched, line-inlaid bonnet door is also fitted with glass, providing access to the dial.

The colorfully painted iron dial was manufactured in England by the Osbourne firm and is fitted with a false plate bearing the OSBOURNE name cast into the top rail. Measuring 12 inches across, the dial features a moon phase mechanism, or lunar calendar, in its arch, functioning as a mechanical almanac. This specialized feature was likely produced by special order due to the additional labor required. The lunar display was valuable to various colonial-era occupations: farmers tracked moon phases for optimal moonlight during fieldwork, sailors and merchants monitored tides and fishing conditions, and religious groups observed rituals aligned with the lunar cycle. The lunar month is 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 2.8 seconds, while the clock's lunar calendar is set at a constant 29.5 days, necessitating a nine-hour adjustment annually to maintain accuracy. The four spandrel areas are decorated with floral motifs. Large Roman numerals indicate the hours, separated from Arabic five-minute markers by a dotted minute ring. Subsidiary seconds and calendar dials occupy traditional positions. The dial is signed "Simon Willard" in script and also bears the inscription “Warranted for Mr. David Wood.” Both the hour and minute hands are finely crafted from steel and feature open-heart designs at their ends.

The weight-driven movement is constructed of brass and demonstrates high-quality craftsmanship. Four turned pillars support the two rectangular brass plates. Hardened steel shafts carry the polished steel pinions, brass gearing, grooved winding drums, and recoil escapement. Designed to run for eight days on a full wind, the two-train, time-and-strike mechanism employs a rack-and-snail striking system that sounds each hour on a cast-iron bell mounted above the movement.

This clock was made circa 1795 and stands approximately 8 feet (96 inches) tall to the top of the center finial. Measured at the lower bonnet molding, the case is approximately 20.5 inches wide and 10 inches deep.

Inventory number 226019.