Objects

Viewing Record 2 of 2
Previous Record  
Switch Views: Lightbox | Image List | List

Tall Case Clock with Masonic Symbols
ca. 1815
Riley Whiting (1785-1835)
USA: Connecticut, Winchester
Wood, glass, metal, paint, pewter
overall: 95"h x 19-1/4"w x 9"d
Special Acquisitions Fund
77.1a-e

Masonic Tall Case Clock; a: case: pine, painted red with simulated, yellow painted, line string inlay; bonnet crest, double pin-wheel fret with ball and pillars; interior of door reads "Aug 27th 1847 cleaned NY A Holly [illeg.]"; b: dial: painted with Masonic symbols including hourglass, anchor, sun, crossed keys, ruler, arch with stairs, Bible with square and compasses, moon with stars, beehive, crossed swords, and gavel; marked "R. Whiting, Winchester"; pewter hour and minute hands; sweep second and date dials; key wind, simulated painted apertures for strike and time train winding; c: movement: 30 hour, wood pull-up movement "Waterbury" style (type IV); seat board marked "No 15 / B3 (box 3); d-e: weights, tin canisters filled with lead shot.


Riley Whiting, a member of Federal Lodge No. 17 in Watertown, Connecticut, crafted clocks featuring dials decorated with Masonic symbols. With them, he hoped to attract the custom of his fellow brethren. Merchants and peddlers sold Whiting’s wooden-movement clocks in New England, New York and beyond. Cases, such as this painted one, would have been ordered by the clock’s owner, not built by Whiting. A penciled note on the inside door of this clock suggests it was used in New York. For further information, see blog post, April 24, 2012 http://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/2012/04/now-on-view-riley-whiting-clock.html



Related Media