William J. Leslie Trenton

William J. Leslie was a clockmaker, tavern owner and worked in Philadelphia, New Brunswick NJ and Trenton NJ. He took over the shop of Joseph Yates in Trenton in 1799. Leslie was a prolific and expert clockmaker and some of his finest work was done in NJ including tune selectable, three train musical examples. In 1817 he advertised in the Trenton papers as a clock and watchmaker. Later he operated the Trenton Tavern. This clock is one of his nicest examples from Trenton and is housed in a wonderful Delaware Valley Curly Cherry case with slender proportions, broken arch scroll moldings, carved rosettes, and bonnet door opening to an incredible American painted iron dial. The case is all original with the exception of the feet which are appropriate old bench made exact copies of an original set found on a related example from Trenton. The finish on the case is wonderful with a rich patina that elegantly highlights the magnificent wood selection in the cherry. The clock stands just under 96 inches tall and it has outstanding proportions and graceful narrow waist. The eight day brass striking movement has seconds, calendar, minutes, and hours. The locally painted American dial is in outstanding condition with an original signature in the center of the dial just below the calendar. The works have been professionally serviced and the clock runs and strikes fine. The cast iron weights that power the works are original, and the clock even retains the original pulleys, and winding crank. On the back of the dial is an early repair label by the renowned clockmakers of Philadelphia: Bates & Co.

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