Tall-case clock
Ephraim Willard
(1755–about 1833)
1801–05
Object PlaceBoston, Massachusetts, United States
Medium/TechniqueMahogany, satinwood, pine
DimensionsOverall: 239.4 x 47.3 x 24.8 cm (94 1/4 x 18 5/8 x 9 3/4 in.)
Credit LineBequest of Miss Eleanor P. Martin
Accession number57.200
ClassificationsFurniture
InscriptionsThe clock bears numerous inscriptions, including:
-On inside of the case body, back board: in chalk "W [?] ES" in large script.
-On back board, at top, in chalk: squiggle
-On rear of clock face, in chalk: "Willard".
-On top face of mounting board, PR side, in graphite [hard to read]: "V / Cl Jan 1884 / Cl____ / Ospou__ Mansfield / [illegible]"
-On the back of the door are several papers with the later history of the clock (listed from top to bottom):
Paper label, in ink: "This clock was given to W.C. Martin [possibly N.C. Martin] / by Mrs. Susanna Briggs, Nov. 27, 1846 / Mrs. Briggs Died / Nov. 15, 1848. added in graphite: (aged 73) A. [2 symbols]"
Paper label, in ink: "Mr. C. H. Daniels / Cleaned & Repaired / Clock / Dec 5 1860.
In grphite directly onto board: "Badger, June 1st 1865 / Eben C. Worcester, Apr. 30 1869 / [illegible, possibly "A. Nobles"] -- Nov 15th 1871 -- / same -- FEB. -- 1875 -- / same -- FEB. --1879 -- / same -- Jan. -- 1884 -- / same Oct -- 1896 -- / Cld May 1900 [illegible, possibly"King ___]"
Illegible chalk inscriptions are written below the graphite.
Inlay on the door is marked in ink on its original paper mount: "Pengree [Pingree?] & Co."
Three business cards tacked to interior of case:
Robert C. Cheney "overhauled April 1995"
Bradford W. Cheney & Sons "overhauled"
Bradford W. Cheney & Sons no additional marksProvenanceOwned in 1846 by Mrs.Susanna Briggs (d. 1848) and given to W.C. Martin; by descent in the Martin family to Henry B. Martin and by Miss Eleanor P. Martin; 1957, gift of Miss Eleanor P. Martin (Accession Date April 11, 1957)
