Frederic Wingate, Augusta, Maine, No. 180 Mahogany Tall Clock, Circa 1820 скачать в хорошем качестве

Frederic Wingate, Augusta, Maine, No. 180 Mahogany Tall Clock, Circa 1820

This well-proportioned, cross-banded mahogany tall clock, made about 1820 by Frederick Wingate of Augusta, Maine, survives with its original finish intact. For collectors who prize untouched surfaces, it stands as an exceptional example, and perhaps one of the finest Wingate tall clocks known. Time has softened the original shellac, leaving a textured surface that now displays a rich, even tone across the mahogany. The brass appointments remain undisturbed, reinforcing the clock’s remarkable state of preservation. Against the subdued case, the painted iron dial retains a vivid presence, its colors and decoration offering a striking contrast. Together, case and dial present a cohesive and compelling expression of Wingate’s work. The dial, painted in Boston by the firm of Nolen & Curtis (active 1814–1822), demonstrates accomplished artistry. In the arch, a still life of red apples, green grapes, and an exotic pineapple anchors the composition. Vibrant federal shields and gilt swags decorate the spandrels, while a gilt ring frames the time circle. Arabic numerals mark both the hours and quarter positions, separated by a dotted minute track. Subsidiary seconds and a month calendar appear in their customary locations. Below the calendar, the dial bears the inscription “Frederic Wingate / Augusta” and the number “No. 180.” The surface remains in exceptional original condition, complemented by finely shaped steel hands. The case stands on applied French feet that splay forward beneath a drop apron. A cross-banded border frames the base panel and visually separates it from the feet, while a traditional cove molding transitions into the waist. Inset quarter columns occupy the front corners, each terminating in brass capitals and bases and decorated with ring-turned details. At the center, a rectangular waist door, edged with applied molding and fitted with a brass oval escutcheon, reveals carefully selected mahogany veneer, its sweeping grain patterns running the length of the panel. The cross-banded border continues here, reinforcing the design’s symmetry. The bonnet displays a distinctive pierced New England–style fretwork pattern associated with Augusta cases. Three period brass finials rise from wooden plinths, while boldly turned free-standing columns, mounted in brass capitals, flank the arched hood door. The eight-day, weight-driven movement reflects Wingate's technical mastery. Cast in brass, the two-train movement employs a rack-and-snail strike that sounds the hours on a bell mounted to the backplate, completing a design that balances mechanical rigor with refined New England craftsmanship. Frederick Wingate worked as a silversmith, watchmaker, and clockmaker, becoming one of Maine’s most prolific early horologists. Likely trained in Massachusetts, he had settled in Augusta by 1803, where he produced tall clocks, banjo clocks, and mirror clocks; many tall-case dials were individually numbered. Our family has recorded examples ranging from 15 to 302. In 1808, he trained Benjamin Swan of Augusta, whose work closely parallels Wingate’s in form and construction. Shared characteristics include contrasting woods, figured maple panels in the waist door and base, and boldly turned waist and hood columns. Many examples feature Boston-painted dials attributed to Spencer Nolen, and a fair number retain original setup labels pasted inside the waist door. Wingate also served as a soldier during the War of 1812. Dimensions: Height 7' 9", Width 20 1/4", Depth 10" Inventory 225169