Stephen Smith

For nearly half a century, Stephen Smith worked as a cabinetmaker in Boston, beginning as a relatively small artisan and building his trade into a substantial firm with three partners. He is first listed in the city directory in 1829, and by the following year was recorded as a cabinetmaker with a shop in Wilson Lane and home at 3 Purchase Place. Smith remained at this address through most of the decade, but by 1839, he had moved his shop to 44 Cornhill, and in the late 1840s he relocated once again to 49 Cornhill.

At the University of Michigan there is a collection of papers documenting the working relationship between Smith and Chandler.   Stephen Smith worked closely with Abiel Chandler of Concord, NH.  This striking lyre clock exhibits all of the characteristics of the work normally associated with Abiel Chandler.   The brass plates with arched cutout sections, steel rack and snail elements and lift arms, cast iron bell mounted below the works,  and the identifiable design of the hands are all attributes of the work of the Chandler/Hutchins school.   The carved case with historic first finish, both reverse glass tablets are original as well.  The movement has been serviced and the clock runs and strikes properly.  The carved floral finial is original too!