CASE LABELED AND DIAL SIGNED BY FREDERICK WINGATE (1782-1864), AUGUSTA, MAINE, CIRCA 1821

With its elaborate rocking-ship movement, this clock illustrates the sophisticated fashions available on the New England frontier. Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts in 1782, Frederick Wingate (1782-1864) would have been aware of the more stylish designs in clockmaking. His father, Paine (1788-1864), had previously worked in Boston and Roxbury, Massachusetts, the centers of New England clockmaking, and undoubtedly trained his son. At the age of 22, Frederick moved to Augusta, Maine, where he made this clock. This clock bears his printed advertising label on the case interior and indicates that in addition to clockmaking, Wingate retailed numerous goods, including swords, guns and furniture hardware (see Paul J. Foley, Willard's Patent Time Pieces (Norwell, MA, 2002), p. 336). For other tall-case clocks signed by Wingate, see Northeast Auctions, August 5, 2005, lot 1370; Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, Thomaston, ME, July 15, 2001 and August 28-29, 2004.

According to the consignor, the clock descended to her mother, Betsey Temple (Hall) Flowers (1882-1956) whose family hailed from Rockland, Maine.