Frederick Wingate of Augusta, Maine. Silversmith, watch, clockmaker, and merchant.

Frederick Wingate was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on January 11, 1782, and died in Augusta, Maine, on November 16, 1864. His parents were William Wingate (1745-1821) and Mehitable (Bradley) Wingate (1747-1796). His older brother, Paine Wingate (1767-1833), worked as a clockmaker in Boston as early as 1789 and returned to Haverhill before 1795, possibly giving him the chance to train Frederick. On January 17, 1806, Frederick married Hannah Page of Haverhill, and that same year, they moved to Augusta, Maine. A label inside one of his tall clocks from 1806 says he had for sale "good warranted Brass Eight Day Clocks, well finished and as handsome as can be purchased in the metrolopus. Also – Warranted WATCHES... / CHAINS, SEALS, KEYS & etc."

In 1814, Frederick served as a soldier in the War of 1812. Soon after, he began advertising different military goods for sale.

Frederick worked as a silversmith, watchmaker, and clockmaker, and became one of Maine's most prolific clockmakers. He may have learned his trade in Massachusetts before moving to Augusta. As a clockmaker, he made many tall clocks, as well as some banjo and mirror clocks. Many of his tall clock dials are numbered, with the lowest recorded by our family being 15 and the highest 302. In 1808, Frederick taught Benjamin Swan, who was from Augusta, to make clocks. Swan's clocks are often very similar to Frederick's, sharing features like case design, contrasting woods, and Nolen & Curtis dials. Many Augusta clocks also use figured maple in the waist door and base panel, have distinctively shaped waist and hood columns, and Boston-painted dials by Spencer Nolen. Quite a few Wingate clocks still have their original setup labels, which are usually pasted inside the waist door and help date the clocks.

Clocks From This Maker

Frederic Wingate of Augusta, Maine. No. 180. Made circa 1820. A well-proportioned, cross-banded mahogany case tall clock, retaining its first finish. 225169.

If you are a fan of original finish, this is the one. I don't know if a better Wingate tall clock exists. The original shellac finish has broken down, creating a textured surface that covers the mahogany surfaces. It has also darkened considerably… read more

Frederick Wingate of Augusta, Maine. A well-proportioned birch-wood case tall clock. It is his 30th clock. 223314.

Frederick Wingate of Augusta, Maine, in 1807, made this well-proportioned birch-wood case tall clock. It is his 30th clock. 223314.

This is a very early example. This case is constructed in birch and retains its original reddish tinting that was initially applied to the case to change the natural light color to a warmer tone similar to that of cherry and or mahogany. This… read more

Frederick Wingate of Augusta, Maine. No. 119. A tall case clock. UU-56.

This well-proportioned mixed woods case tall clock was made by Frederick Wingate of Augusta, Maine, circa 1813. This is a very good example of his work. This case is constructed in several indigenous kinds of wood. The vast majority of which is… read more

Frederick Wingate of Augusta, Maine. No. 123. A Maine tall clock. UU-73. Delaney Antique Clocks.

Frederick Wingate of Augusta, Maine. No. 123. A Maine Clockmaker. A Maine tall clock. UU-73.

This is a well-proportioned mixed woods case tall clock made by Frederick Wingate of Augusta, Maine, circa 1813. This country form features a case constructed from several indigenous woods, mostly birch, which retains its original red wash.… read more

Frederick Wingate mahogany-cased tall clock with a rocking ship dial. Numbered 118. VV-134. Delaney Antique Clocks.

Frederick Wingate of Augusta, Maine. A mahogany-cased tall clock that features a rocking ship dial. This dial is numbered 118. VV-134.

This is a well-proportioned, inlaid mahogany-cased tall clock. It was made by Frederick Wingate of Augusta, Maine, circa 1813. This is one of the most formal examples known, featuring a rocking ship dial and an inlaid case. This is a very good… read more