|
Home
>
Worthopedia – Price Guide
>
Furniture & Furnishings >
EXTREMELY RARE 18th CENTURY TALL CASE CLOCK BY FREED SLAVE PETER HILL.
|
Terms and Conditions for using our site |
EXTREMELY RARE 18th CENTURY TALL CASE CLOCK BY FREED SLAVE PETER HILL.
Sold For:
 or Sign In to see what it's worth.
In his 1950 BOOK OF AMERICAN CLOCKS, Brooks Palmer lists a John Hollinshead of Burlington, New Jersey as one of a family of clockmakers working in that region from the early 18th Century well into the 19th Century. Many Quakers in that day trained freed slaves in the mechanical trades. Hollinshead, himself a Quaker, apprenticed a former slave named PETER HILL in the trade of clockmaking. After completing his apprenticeship, Hill continued to make clocks on his own in both Burlington, New Jersey and Mount Holly, New Jersey. When this fine example of Hill's work was recently discovered, the buyer,who is a renowned authority on American tallcase clocks, sought the collaboration of two other experts in the field to authenticate this clock as having been made by Peter Hill. The absence of a signature on the dial (see photograph)led the owner to compare other examples of Hill's clocks with this one. The result was a solid consensus that this is beyond doubt one of Hill's clocks. Another point of authentication is the paper label inside the waist door (see photograph) which, although quite flaked, clearly retains the name PETER and BURLINGTON. This inside-the-door label may explain the absence of a dial signature. Another of Hill's tall case clocks is on display in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC because of the importance of this maker's work in the history of American clockmaking and tradesmanship. The handsome Cherry and Tulipwood case was made by George Deacon of Burlington, New Jersey. In those days, most clockmakers commissioned local "joiners" or cabinetmakers to produce the cases for their clocks. The 89" tall case is a good size for any home setting. There is a mystery found on the bonnet-scrolls of the clock. A SEVEN pointed star pattern is inlaid on the upper left rosette and there is a SIX pointed inlaid star on the upper right rosette. What this means is left to the imagination of the beholder!! Some knowlegeable persons have speculated that it may have been Hill's way of coding the sequence of production of his clocks---this being clock number 76. Others think that it may relate to the Revolutionary War motto "Spirit of 76" which was well known in 18th Century American history--not long before this clock was made. Whatever its meaning, this curious touch adds to the charm of an historically signifigant piece. Inside the waist door there is also a clock repairman's card which reads: 'BEN BUDD, MECHANICAL EXPERT', MOUNT HOLLY, NEW JERSEY. On the advertising card is a hand written note saying 'CLEANED AND REPAIRED June 19th, 1915'. Anyone with an appreciation of early American history- especially related to the clockmaking trade will treasure this rare tall case clock. And those who study 18th and 19th Century African-American history will be especially interested in this rare example of the work of a former slave of that period. NOTE: In our photograph of the overall clock, there is a reflection in the door glass of adjacent tree limbs and leaves causing the dial to appear wavy. Other attached close-ups provide an accurate presentation of the clean and colorful dial. The price of this clock is not negotiable. It has been established by the consignor and is quite reasonable considering the clock's rarity and historic signifigance. Several years ago, this clock was displayed with thirty other important Colonial period clocks in the prestigious Year 2000 Philadelphia Antiques Show which featured some of the most signifigant tall case clocks of the period. An elaborate color catalogue from that show devotes a full page of photographs and part of a second page to this very clock. It will be included with the clock. An impressive body of written research about Hill will also be provided to the next owner of this clock. Seriously interested buyers may call for further information.
Items in the Worthopedia are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.
View Similar ItemsMore Items from GoAntiques
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Joining is free and gives you access to our Community & Forums.
If you are interested in our pricing data or other paid memberships, try our Full 7-day Free Trial Here.
By creating an account you agree to our Terms & Conditions
