Walter Cornell of Newport, Rhode Island. A mahogany case, kidney dial shelf clock. FFF-13.
Walter Cornell of Newport, Rhode Island, crafted this unique and well-proportioned mahogany shelf clock. It's worth noting that only three signed Walter Cornell shelf clocks, all featuring kidney-shaped dials and signed with the Newport place location, are currently known to exist.
This attractive mahogany case shelf clock retains a modern finish that enhances the captivating grain patterns and natural colors of this exciting wood. The flared French-style feet elevate the cabinet, forming a nicely shaped drop apron across the bottom of the case. A delicate line inlay visually separates the feet from the base. The base is framed with a cross-banded mahogany border. Centered in the panel is a large knot. The grain pattern radiates outward and around the knot. When concentrating on this pattern, it can take on a three-dimensional quality. A cove molding transitions the lower section of the case up to the hood. Atop the hood are three capped plinths and an urn-shaped brass finial. A sweeping fretwork pattern, in four sections, supports the plinths. The bonnet door is made from two pieces of wood. The upper section is cleverly formatted so that the grain radiates outward from the opening in a uniform manner. The door aperture is fitted with glass, and the door opens to access the dial.
This painted iron dial, considered a "Kidney" form due to its unique shape, is a significant feature of this clock. The time display is located in the upper section. The time ring is traditionally formatted. A sashed minute ring frames the Arabic hour numerals. Open diamond steel-shaped hands display the time. Below the time display, within the wheat-ear oval, this dial is signed "Walter Cornell / Newport."
The time-only movement is brass, eight-day duration, and is of good quality. Two brass plates are supported by four brass posts. The brass gearing is suspended on steel arbors fitted into the plates. The escapement is a recoil. A weight powers the works. This is a timepiece.
This fine shelf clock was made circa 1810.
The case dimensions are 34.5 inches tall to the top of the center finial. The footprint is 12.5 inches wide and 6.5 inches deep at the feet.
Inventory number FFF-13.
Walter Cornell was born in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, on September 15, 1777. His parents were Walter Cornell (1742-1805) and Elizabeth (Mott) Cornell (1753-1810). As a young boy, he traveled to the city of Providence and served an apprenticeship as a clockmaker. In February of 1803, Walter had advertised that he had moved to Newport and carried on the business of manufacturing “Warranted Watches & Eight-Day Clocks.” In 1806, he advertised as being located at 106 Thames Street. In 1814, Cornell relocated to Portsmouth, and George Tompkins assumed ownership of his location on Thames Street. Various advertisements place Cornell in this region of Rhode Island, and working in numerous trades. Some of which included silversmithing, jewelry, and wool carding. Cornell’s death record has not been found. According to the Federal Census, he is listed as working in the jewelry trade as late as the early 1850s. Cornell made tall clocks, shelf clocks, dwarf clocks, and patent timepieces of banjo clocks.
