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Lot Essay
Distinct stylistic, ornamental, and construction features of this clock provide a strong basis for an attribution to Nathan Lombard (1777-1847). With chevron stringing, stylized foliate motifs, and the contrast between a cherrywood case and mahogany feathering, the clock being offered here bears all the characteristics of Lombard's inlays. The urn and foliate motifs issuing crossing vines, tulip heads, rosettes and droplet-shaped leaf inlays on this clock relate it to those on several desk-and- bookcases attributed to Lombard (see Jobe and Pearce, "Sophistication in Rural Massachusetts: The Inlaid Cherry Furniture of Nathan Lombard" in Beckerdite, American Furniture (1998), p.166, fig.3 and p.181, fig.32) as well as to a group of candlestands (see Jobe and Pearce, p.188, fig.46; p.189 figs. 47-49; p.192, fig.54, see also Christie's, June 17, 1997, lot 415).
Constructional features also relate this clock to other pieces attributed to and signed by Lombard including the presence of small, widely spaced glueblocks at the case bottom. This feature, can be found on many Lombard case pieces including a chest that bears his signature (Jobe and Pearce, p.173).
Although nearly forty objects are attributed to Nathan Lombard, only one other clock, in a private collection, is currently associated with his shop (illustrated in Jobe and Pearce, p.187, fig. 42). A comparison between that clock and the one offered here, reveals overall case and ornament similarities including deeply cove-molded arched cornices; relatively simple, unsigned dials with related enamelled designs, fitted with nearly identical hands; fluted colonettes with Corinthian capitals and molded brass bases; reeded quarter columns with brass bases; and capitals resting on engaged and inlaid plinths.
Constructional features also relate this clock to other pieces attributed to and signed by Lombard including the presence of small, widely spaced glueblocks at the case bottom. This feature, can be found on many Lombard case pieces including a chest that bears his signature (Jobe and Pearce, p.173).
Although nearly forty objects are attributed to Nathan Lombard, only one other clock, in a private collection, is currently associated with his shop (illustrated in Jobe and Pearce, p.187, fig. 42). A comparison between that clock and the one offered here, reveals overall case and ornament similarities including deeply cove-molded arched cornices; relatively simple, unsigned dials with related enamelled designs, fitted with nearly identical hands; fluted colonettes with Corinthian capitals and molded brass bases; reeded quarter columns with brass bases; and capitals resting on engaged and inlaid plinths.