Object Record
Images
Additional Images [5]
Metadata
Object |
Clock, Tall Case |
Title |
Nichols Goddard Musical Clock |
Artist/Creator |
Goddard, Nichols |
Date |
ca. 1810 |
Description |
Musical tall case clock made by Nichols Goddard of Rutland, Vermont. Case made of unusually light construction, mostly .5" with mahogany veneer and contrasting inlaid benchings and burl panels which look like walnut. Finials are not original. Painted iron dial has patriotic shield motifs in four corners and name of maker in center. Revolving moon disk with image of burning ship. Plays seven tunes on ten bells struck by ten hammers. Tune names painted on dial include: Virginia, Bank of Flowers, [a scratched out tune identified as "Heathen Mythology"], Careless Sally, Marquis of Granby, Marionets Cotillon, and Yankey Doodle. |
Width (inches) |
19.500 |
Depth (inches) |
9.750 |
Height (inches) |
94.250 |
Information |
Few American clocks of the early nineteenth century are more sophisticated, mechanically complex, or beautiful than this one made by Nichols Goddard in Rutland, Vermont. A set of ten bells and hammers play seven tunes. One of the titles has been scratched out, but identified as "Heathen Mythology," also called "Hunting the Hare." This risqué song about Roman gods being naughty cloaked in hunting metaphors was quite popular around 1800 and was used by Goddard on another clock. In addition, the movement features a day of the month wheel and moon dial with a depiction of a burning ship. The painted dial, with American shields in the spandrels, was purchased from a Boston supplier. The case is a masterpiece. It incorporates a careful sequence of matched mahogany veneers and inlays and its overall design is derived from high style New York City and New Jersey examples. |
Related People |
Goddard, Nichols |
Credit line |
Museum Purchase |
Catalog Number |
1986.349 |