Object Number 1967.1449

Object Name

Clock (Wall clock)

Category

Clocks, Watches, and Scientific Instruments

Credit Line/Donor

Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont

Creator (Role)

Lemuel Curtis (Clockmaker)
1790-1857
Lemuel Curtis apprenticed with the Willard family of clockmakers, probably with Simon Willard (a relative through his mother's sister) in his home town of Roxbury, Massachusetts. He established a business in Concord, Massachusetts. In 1816 he applied for a patent for an improved timepiece (see example 1967.1449). Lemuel moved from Boston to Bennington, Vermont ca. 1818 or 1822. He partnered with Joseph N. Dunning. Edward LaFond speculated that the eglomise painting on the clock and painting on the dial was created by Lemuel's brothers Samuel and Benjamin. Benjamin worked in Boston (ca. 1818-1827), then in Burlington, Vermont ca. 1828-1830. Samuel worked in Boston (with Spencer Nolen) from 1806 until ca. 1845.

Place of Origin

Concord, Massachusetts, New England, United States, North America

Date

1816-1820

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Inscription; Dial, lower edge; "L-CURTIS PATENT" in black paint
2. Mark; Small movement plate, near top; "L.CURTIS" stamped
3. Inscription; Pendulum case, on banner; "CURTIS' PATENT" painted in gilt
4. Inscription; Pendulum case, beneath figures; "ELISHA RESTORES THE SHUNAMMITES SON TO LIFE./ II KINGS IV. 37" painted in gilt
5. Inscription; Case, waist interior; Wood frame for waist glass is chiseled with "XXIX"

Materials

Mahogany; Gesso; Gilt; Glass; Paint; Brass; Iron; Tinned sheet iron; Lead

Dimensions (inches)

46 (H) , 4 (L) , 13.625 (W) , 5 (D)

Dimensions (centimeters)

116.84 (H) , 10.16 (L) , 34.608 (W) , 12.7 (D)

Measurement Notes

OW at base; OD at pendulum box.

Object Description

Text available soon.

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Article] Wood, David F. 05//2001 Concord, Massachusetts, Clockmakers, 1811-1831. Antiques. (May): 762-769.
• Published: Plate IIIa-III, p. 765.