|
Thomas Vance - Clocksmith
|
|
|
Samuel
Edwards of Ashby, Massachusetts Tall Case Clock c. 1795 This
clock was made by Samuel Edwards of Ashby, Massachusetts, when he worked in his
father's (Abraham’s) clock shop. Due to
its date, it is very likely one of the first clocks signed by Samuel following
his apprenticeship . In 1808, Samuel moved to Gorham, Maine, where he
opened his own shop. This clock is
done in the style of Abraham. It
has a 30-hour cherry wooden works movement with a bell strike on the hour. The case appears to be pine and likely was refinished
in a sympathetic way (i.e., not overly done and neatly so).
The face is polychrome hand painted wood with floral decoration and is
signed in the center of the chapter ring. It
is original, as are the pewter hands. The hood has a pierced pediment with
plinths and a tombstone door. The
restoration included new glass in the bonnet; reproduction finials and
door hardware. Repaired pendulum
rod. It has its original soapstone
weights. There is an age
crack on the bottom of the case. The
feet were cut down approximately 1 to 1-1/2 inches, likely to accommodate a
lower ceiling. The works have been
repaired and are in very good running condition. This beautiful clock was found in a barn in the Harpswell area of Maine |