The enameled iron dial inscribed “Simeon Jocelin / NEW HAVEN.”
Original weight-driven, eight day steel and brass works. 88 ¼ x 18 ½ x 9 ¼ inches.
This is an outstanding example of an American country Chippendale tall case clock fashioned from one of the most beautiful and desirable of all American hardwood species- figured curly maple with a gorgeous glowing golden brown patina. The unidentified maker of this clock case was likely trained in New London County, possibly in the Stonington area notable in the whale’s tail crest, applied “petticoat” scalloped molding at the top of the base panel and “lobster tail” motif as a scalloped pendant. The maker of this clock was the father of the Abolitionist minister and social activist Simeon S. Jocelin, born 1799, an associate of William Lloyd Garrison, and a conductor for the Underground railroad.
Provenance:
Ginsburg & Levy, Inc; The collection of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch; John Walton, 1980; New York private collection.
