The diminutive tall clock crafted by Samuel Rockwell circa 1747 is a rare and historically significant piece of American horology. Standing only 6' 3" tall, it is a rare example of a pre-Revolutionary clock made and signed by Rockwell, one of only ten known to us. Of the ten, three other signed Rockwell clocks feature a similar dial engraving that is complex and embellished with florals. The first is at Brown University in the Office of the Dean of College. The second example is privately owned but pictured by Frank Holman in "Timeless, Masterpiece American Brass Dial Clocks." The third example is pictured in the book "Two Hundred Years of American Clocks and Watches." by Chris Bailey. Few American Pre-Revolutionary clocks were made in this country, and fewer have survived.
Encased in figured mahogany, the clock exhibits the elegant simplicity of the Queen Anne style. The case rests flat on the floor with applied base molding, lending the clock a grounded, sturdy appearance. Its waist door, adorned with a circular glass cutout, provides a captivating view of the pendulum bob. It swings gracefully, reflecting the blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. The bonnet of the clock is particularly striking, featuring a flat cornice top-an early and distinctive design choice-set above a molded arch that mirrors the shape of the dial door. This arch is visually supported by smoothly turned colonettes with wooden capitals flanking the hood door. Additional quarter columns at the back corners of the hood add to the overall balance and symmetry of the piece. The tombstone-shaped sidelights, fitted with glass, contribute to the clock’s stately appearance, allowing light to enhance the clock’s intricate details.
The dial of this tall clock is a masterwork of engraving and design, predating the later painted dial forms. It is composed of a brass sheet adorned with a rich array of decorative elements. A herringbone engraving band frames the dial’s shape, while four cast-corner spandrels featuring a woman’s head surrounded by flowers add a touch of baroque elegance. The arch of the dial includes two dolphin spandrels that center an engraved compass star with a Tudor rose, a symbol of the English monarchy and the heraldic emblem of William and Mary’s reign. The time ring, engraved with Arabic-style five-minute markers and quarter-hour Fleur-de-lis markers, encloses Roman-style hour numerals and a matted surface intricately decorated with floral patterns, making the clock’s hands stand out prominently.
Behind its ornate dial is a weight-driven movement designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It features a rack and snail striking system that sounds each hour on a cast iron bell, with the addition of a pull repeat cord-a sophisticated mechanism for its time, allowing the user to repeat the last hour’s strike at will. This functional and aesthetically complex timepiece, signed by Rockwell on its arched band, reflects not only the technical prowess of its maker but also the artistic sensibilities of mid-18th century America.
Samuel Rockwell, a pioneering American clockmaker, was born in Middletown, Connecticut, on October 13, 1722. He is renowned for his finely crafted tall clocks, which he began making around 1735 in Providence, Rhode Island. By 1742, he had honed his skills and was recognized as a skilled journeyman. In 1752, he made a significant move to Hampton, Virginia, becoming the first known clockmaker in the colony. His ventures later expanded to Philadelphia and New York, where he dealt with clocks and traded goods like coffee and sugar. After returning to Middletown in 1762, he married Abigail Goodwin Johnson and continued his work until he died in 1773. Despite his eventual financial struggles, Rockwell’s clocks, characterized by intricate engraving and refined design, remain significant artifacts of early American horology, providing a rich historical context to this unique tall clock.
Dimensions: Height 6'3", Width 18.5", Depth 10.25"
Inventory 223324