MOVEMENT BY DAVID WILLIAMS (ACTIVE 1800-1830), NEWPORT, 1815-1820

On July 19, 1812, the USS Constitution out-maneuvered the British enemy in one of the earliest engagements of the War of 1812. In becalmed waters, the Constitution's captain, Isaac Hull, used row boats and the anchor line to pull ahead of the three British ships after a chase that had lasted three days. Painted by Michele F. Corné and engraved by William Hoogland in 1815, the scene is replicated here in mirror image. The dial is signed by Smiths of New York, almost certainly a retailer, as the inscription on the throat panel, D. Williams, indicates the work of Newport clockmaker David Williams (1769-1823). Bearing Williams' characteristic A-frame movement, this clock is a rare example of Newport's rendition of Simon Willard's famous patented wall-clock. For a related clock by Williams with similar naval scene, see Christie's, New York, The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Bertram D. Coleman, 16 January 1998, lot 267.