10-05-201810-05-2018
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
October 5, 2018 10:00 AMCalender
187

Thomas Harland Figured Mahogany Tall Clock

Sell one like this
$36,900$30,000
Auction: Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments - 3147MLocation: MarlboroughDate / Time: October 05, 2018 10:00AM

Description:

Thomas Harland Figured Mahogany Tall Clock, Norwich, Connecticut, c. 1780, flame-turned finials atop the scalloped-top hood with freestanding fluted and turned quarter-columns flanking the silvered roman and arabic numeral sheet brass dial with engraved bellflowers and swags, name boss in arch reading "Thos. Harland/Norwich," with separate engraved seconds and calendar apertures, tombstone-shaped flame veneered waist door above the cyma-shaped mid-molding and carved bracket feet, eight-day, dead-beat escapement, hour-strike movement with "D.P Potter" marked cleat, regulated by a converted "Upgraded" grid iron pendulum with a brass-cased lead bob engraved on bottom "Ball 14 lbs/1880/Refinished Nov. 1880," and two brass-cased weights, ht. 90 in.

Literature: Similar dial and case examples are found in Connecticut Clockmakers of the Eighteenth Century, by Penrose R. Hoopes.

Note: Thomas Harland (1735-1807) learned the clockmaking trade in Britain before coming to America in 1773. He advertised in Norwich, Connecticut, shortly after his arrival and set up a shop, eventually employing 10-12 journeymen and numerous apprentices, including Daniel Burnap, Seril and Ezra Dodge, Jedidiah and Jabez Baldwin, Nathaniel Shipman and others. Watches are extant with his name but are likely English imports. He advertised in 1800, "…spring and plain 8-day clocks with enameled and silvered faces, completely finished and regulated in cherry and mahogany cases." Many of Connecticut's finest clocks stem from the Harland dynasty. (Thomas & Sonya Spittler and Chris H. Bailey, Clockmakers and Watchmakers of America by Name and Place, NAWCC, 2011, second edition, p. 181).

Of the known surviving Harland clocks, there is one at the Connecticut Historical Society, two at the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol, Connecticut, and Harland's own family clock at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford.

There is dated 1785 woven newspaper from the Norwich Packet, established October 7, 1773, by Alexander Robertson, James Robertson, and John Trumbull, laid down on the underside of the hood.
Estimate $15,000-25,000

Original fret (needs to be reglued,) original feet (rear carved side bracket feet need to be reglued,) seating board with cut-out to accept the new iron gong, original bell needs to be reattached, original turned finials, possibly original wooden rod brass-faced pendulum accompanies the clock, Potter upgrades, including grid iron pendulum, black interior stain to original chestnut backboard, strike mechanism during the late 19th century are reversible.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

D.P, Thomas & Sonya Spittler, James Robertson, Alexander Robertson, John Trumbull, Nathaniel Shipman, Thomas Harland, Chris H. Bailey, Daniel Burnap, Sonya Spittler, Ezra Dodge, Seril Dodge, United Kingdom, Norwich