This fine Roxbury case, is of the type produced in Aaron Willard’s Boston shop for export to retailers or clockmakers in the South. This example bears two labels of the Richmond, Virginia clockmaker and clock retailer, William McCabe [active 1804-20]. Both his set-up instructions and watch label advertisement are found inside the pendulum door and are in a fine state of preservation. During the first quarter of the 19th Century, various Massachusetts clockmakers sold clocks on consignment through their southern counterparts. Many clocks have been discovered throughout the South with clear Massachusetts origins and the label of a Southern maker. Gary Sullivan has conducted research and lectured on this topic and his presentation to the Winterthur Furniture Forum in 2012 can be viewed on our site by clicking here "Clocks for Corn: Yankee clockmakers trading with the South".
The case exhibits the fine proportions, delicate fretwork and superior mahogany selections, typical of the best Roxbury cases. The painted iron dial was produced in Boston and features a brightly colored and gilt fan in the arch and equally vivid spandrels. The superb qualities of the case and dial coupled with the rare labels that document the Southern provenance, place this clock among the most significant examples of these export clocks.
Dimensions
Height including center finial 92 ¾”; Width 20 ⅛"; Depth 9 ½"