DIAL SIGNED BY JOSHUA WILDER (1786-1860), MASSACHUSETTS, CIRCA 1800

Details

A FEDERAL MAHOGANY DWARF TALL-CASE CLOCK
Dial signed by Joshua Wilder (1786-1860), Massachusetts, circa 1800
The hood surmounted by concave molded and a fluted plinth with shaped brackets, all above the rectangular top with molded edge over a glazed door revealing a white-painted dial face with gilt flourishes above painted swag decoration over an Arabic chapter ring centering the inscription J. Wilder/Hingham, all enclosed by spandrels decorated with gilt flourishes and shields, all flanked by two columns above a waisted case with rectangular door with cockbeaded surround over a molded box base with shaped skirt, on bracket feet
47in. high, 11¼in. wide, 6¼in. deep

Lot Essay

Joshua Wilder (1786-1860) was one of the most active cabinetmakers producing dwarf clocks during the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Massachusetts. This clock with its swag and shield embellished dial face, streamlined case decorated with banded inlay and minimal carving and shaped skirt with French feet, is emblematic of the Federal period. For related clocks by Wilder see Diston and Bishop, The American Clock (New York, 1976), pp. 79-81, figs. 151, 155, 158, and 161; and Palmer, The Book of American Clocks (New York, 1950), figs. 94 and 105. Two Wilder dwarf clocks were sold in these Rooms, 16 October 1996, lot 239 and 14 October 1999, lot 197.

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