Shelf clock

DateCa. 1820

Artist/Maker Eli Terry & Sons

MediumMahogany, tulip poplar, white pine and oak.

DimensionsOH: 31"; OW: 17 1/4"; OD: 4 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1978-74,A

DescriptionPillar and Scroll shelf clock. Vertical rectangular clock with a broken scroll pediment surmounted by three urn and spire wooden finials over a glazed door divided unequally with a square clear glass in the top section through which the clock dial is visible and an égomisé (reverse painting on glass) rectangular panel below featuring Mount Vernon and the Potomac River with clear oval in the center; clock door flanked by full height engaged columns (or pillars); base composed of a ogee molding over a shaped skirt and French feet. Square white painted clock dial with Arabic numerals, steel hour and minute hands, two winding holes, and scroll and foliate decorations painted in the corners.
Label TextTypical of the "pillar and scroll" shelf clocks produced by Eli Terry (1772-1852) and his sons, this example has a painted wooden face, an églomisé panel on the door, and a movement made of wood. The Terry firm turned out thousands of clocks in this general form during the early nineteenth century and sold them throughout the eastern United States. This clock descended in the Galt family of Williamsburg, Virginia.
MarkingsLabels inside: "PATENT CLOCKS./INVENTED BY/ ELI TERRY/MADE AND SOLD AT PLYMOUTH, CONNECTICUT,/E. TERRY & SONS./WARRANTED IF WELL USED./ N.B. The public may be assured that this kind of clock will run as long without repairs, and be as durable and accurate for keeping time, as any kind of clock whatsoever." Two other labels: "DIRECTIONS, to set this Clock Runing..." and "DIRECTIONS, To Keep this Clock in Order..."
ProvenanceFrom the Nelson-Galt House, Williamsburg, Virginia. Purchased from Mrs. Ann Galt Kirby Black.