Tall case clock

Object/Artifact

-

Saco Museum

Name/Title

Tall case clock

Entry/Object ID

1960.1.1

Description

Tall case clock, works by Edward S. Moulton and case by Abraham Forsskol (attributed to the shop of David Buckminster and Abraham Forsskol). Clock works 8-day movement with a rocking ship mechanism, enamel painted dial inscribed "Edwd S. Moulton / SACO." The bonnet is surmounted with fretwork and three ball-shaped brass finials supported by thin fluted plinths. Arched glazed panels are set into the bonnet. The bonnet door is flanked by plain colonnettes with brass capitals and bases. The waist has reeded quarter-columns which also have brass bases and capitals. Triple-beaded molding on the base. Supported on four turned feet.

Made/Created

Date made

1810 - 1820

Dimensions

Height

93 in

Width

19-1/2 in

Depth

9-1/2 in

Material

mahogany, mahogany veneer, basswood, birch, eastern white pine

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Object Label

Label

Tall Clock, 1815-1820 Saco, works by Edward S. Moulton, case by Abraham Forsskol, shop of David Buckminster & Abraham Forsskol mahogany, mahogany veneer, basswood, birch, pine Bequest of Emily Maud Smith

Label Type

Cultural/Historical Context

Label

This clock case is very similar to two others in the Museum's collection that are attributed to Abraham Forsskol, both of which are on view in the front galleries of the museum. The bonnet fretwork is the same pattern on all three, and they all share the same fluted plinths and ball finials, arched glass panels in the sides of the bonnets, and reeded corner columns on the waist. They also all originally shared the same unusual turned feet. This clock first belonged to Colonel Thomas Cutts. One of the first household goods listed on his 1821 probate inventory was an "Eight Day clock" valued at $20. The clock descended in the family to George Emery and appears in his 1933 estate inventory as “Grandfather’s clock.” Emily Smith was the Executrix of Emery's estate and was allowed to retain some items for her own use, including this clock. She donated it to the York Institute (Saco Museum) upon her death in 1960.