Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Tall Case Clock with Masonic Symbols
1829-35
Riley Whiting
USA: Connecticut, Winchester
Pine, iron, paint, pewter
overall: 86 x 16 1/2 x 10 in.; 218.44 x 41.91 x 25.4 cm
Museum Purchase
94.031a-g

Masonic Tall Case Clock; a: movement and hood: broken arch pediment bonnet with three yellow decorated plinths, rondels on arch with plylphots; white painted and gessoed wood dial with Masonic Royal Arch and other Masonic symbols, including: anchor, ladder, beehive, star, sun, all-seeing eye, altar, three lights, square and compasses, ruler, crossed keys, moon, and shovel in the trepanium, floral (roses) spandrels, seconds dial above main arbor with swagged drapery in center; cast pewter hands, simulated winding holes, inscribed on each of main arbor "R.WHITING/ WINCESTER"; Federal eagle painted below the main arbor (in date-dial location); wooden 30 hour pull up movement, countwheel striking train; b: bell: iron strike bell; c: case: red painted pine with black graining; simulated veneer panels on throat, door, and base panel outlined with yellow stringing; quarter round columns; Hepplewhite style feet; d-e: weights: three pound and six pound tin cannister weights; f-g: pendulum with rod: gilded (worn) iron pendulum bob, wire pendulum (Waterbury movement style IV).

Riley Whiting made wooden-movement clocks, which merchants and peddlers sold all through New England and beyond. Whiting crafted clocks featuring dials decorated with Masonic symbols and emblems, like this one, to appeal to his fellow Masons. Craftsmen working in or near Shaftesbury, Vermont, likely built and ornamented the case. The exuberant grain painting is similar to other decorated furniture from the area.