Aaron Willard Boston

This clock is often referred to as a “dish dial” shelf clock due to the surface of the concave painted iron dial. The overall dimensions of the clock are 34 1/2 X 13 inches. The painted iron dial measures 7 7/8″ with a 6 3/4 ” time track and 3/4″ numerals. The base molding and center plinth retain the original stencil decoration which is a nice feature to find. The secondary wood is white pine: backboard, weight baffle, bottom board and glue blocks. ; The eight day timepiece is weight driven and mounted to a seat board that is supported by a pair of wooden stiles attached to the backboard. You may also recognize the original “rose head” nails that secure the stiles to the backboard. The upper glass is original with minor in-painting and touch up from behind. . The upper door is retained by a pin inserted into a gilt ball. The lower panel is a professionally executed contemporary restoration of of an original 19th C theme executed on old wavy glass. Note the case numbering that you can see die stamped into the backboard, hoor door frame, and bottom panel frame. The lower molding of the case is also die stamped as well. This is a very identifiable regional period detail commonly found in Boston Timepieces and Shelf Clocks. Needless to say, it is paramount that the numbers match as they do in this example! The dial mask has some shrinkage cracks and a small repair but is mostlyl original and held in place by undisturbed, original glue blocks as well as the original “hide glue.” The outer surface of the dial mask has the typical “red wash” and there is the typical shrinkage cracks and touch up to the red that you find in these clocks. The dial, hands, pendulum, and movement are all original, and the surface of the dial is exceptional considering the age of the clock. The movement is complete, and in good running condition with a minor solder repair to the upper section of the steel crutch. The gilded acorn top finial is original with touch up to the gold. Two of the gilt rope moldings ( missing when we bought the clock) have been properly restored Remarkable is the fact that the original dust board has survived and remains in the case! You must realize what would happen if the weight cord broke somewhere during the life of the clock ? Fortunately this never happened to this example which explains why the dust board intact and the cast brass paw feet are 100% original as well. Another interesting period detail may be seen in the photo that illustrates the dove tail construction used to secure the bottom board. The clock comes with a winding crank.

SOLD