Caleb Wheaton and Son Tall Clock (Providence, RI)
A fine Federal inlaid mahogany tall case clock by Caleb Wheaton & Son, Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1810.
This handsome and well proportioned clock was produced by the clockmakers Caleb Wheaton and Son of Providence, Rhode Island. Caleb Wheaton [1757-1827], an accomplished and successful clockmaker starting around 1780, entered into a partnership with his son George in 1807 that lasted until his death in 1827. As one of the best known clockmakers in the area he produced many fine and important clocks during his forty-five year career. The case is constructed of first quality mahogany and mahogany veneers that feature vibrantly figured grain. The case is also decorated with subtle line inlay that add to the restrained elegance. The hood has a molded arched crest with applied circular brass mounts centering a plinth with a brass Phoenix and ball finial. The flat tympanum, below the molding, has a line inlaid perimeter above a cross banded tombstone-form dial door with a brass knob. Smooth colonnettes with brass capitals and bases flank this door, that opens to a finely painted iron dial of Boston origin. The sides of the hood have rectangular windows. This outstanding Boston dial features a painted moon phase disk in the lunette decorated with hand painted scenes. In addition to two moon faces, the disk has a scene of a frigate sailing toward a horizon set with war ships, opposite a view of an early shoreline lighthouse. At the base of the lunette are two hemispheres, each decorated with terrestrial map transfers. The clock face has Roman numerals to demark the hour and an outer ring of Arabic to demark the minutes. The dial is framed with vibrant gilt fan-shaped spandrels. The center arbor has wonderful cut steel hour and minute hands and is fitted with a seconds bit above the center arbor and a calendar dial below. The dial is neatly signed in flowing calligraphy with the maker’s name and locale “C. Wheaton & Son / Providence”. The hood transitions to the waist section with a broad flared molding. The waist is set with fluted quarter columns with carved capitals and bases flanking a molded rectangular pendulum door. The door has an bold mahogany veneer with a geometric line inlaid detail. This door opens to an original iron shaft pendulum with a brass capped bob and a pair of cast iron weights. The waist transitions to the base section with another broad flared molding. The base has a nicely grained panel decorated with the same inlay pattern as on the door above. The base terminates with a stepped molding and rests on ogee bracket feet.
Dimensions
Height including finial: 96"; Width: 20 ¼”; Depth: 10 ½”
Pricing
Sold.