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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tall case clock

Elnathan Taber inlaid mahogany Federal tall case clock

Partially verified

This Federal-period tall case clock is attributed to clockmaker Elnathan Taber, dated circa 1810. The clock features an inlaid mahogany case standing 94 inches tall, incorporating rich wood veneers and cross-banded edges on the pendulum door and lower panel. The hood is characterized by delicate fretwork and is crowned with brass ball and spire finials. It rests upon a base with a shaped apron and tall French feet. The dial includes a moon phase display and plaid corner spandrels. The dial is signed "Warranted by / E. Taber / for Nathl.. Johnson," referencing Nathaniel Johnson, a Boston coppersmith active during the early 19th century. Internally, the clock is equipped with brass-capped pendulums and tin can weights. The piece retains an original set-up label located on the pendulum door. Its provenance includes the collection of Rick Currier, a former board president of The Willard House and Clock Museum.

A full view of the tall case clock alongside a magnified view of the signed dial and moon phase display.
A full view of the tall case clock alongside a magnified view of the signed dial and moon phase display. — Tremont Auctions (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Tall case clock
Maker / attribution
Elnathan Taber
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
403
Source-reported date
circa 1810
Source-reported place
United States

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Construction

The clock is housed in an inlaid mahogany Federal tall case. The woodwork is defined by richly grained veneers applied to the pendulum door and the lower panel, both of which feature cross-banded edges. The base is supported by tall French feet and includes a shaped apron, providing the foundational structure for the 94-inch high object.

The upper section consists of a hood featuring intricate fretwork. The visual presentation is completed by brass ball and spire finials. According to the auction report, the construction includes the use of old mending boards on the underside of the clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “The pendulum door and lower panel each with richly grain mahogany veneers with cross-banded edges.”
  • “The base with shaped apron and tall French feet.”
  • “Underside with old mending boards.”

Dial and Signature

The dial is decorated with plaid corner spandrels and incorporates a moon phase mechanism. The dial serves as the primary location for the maker's signature, which states: 'Warranted by / E. Taber / for Nathl.. Johnson.'

The source identifies Nathaniel Johnson as a Boston coppersmith active in the early 1800s. The dial surface retains its old varnish, as documented in the item description.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial with moon phase and plaid corner spandrels, signed Warranted by / E. Taber / for Nathl.. Johnson.”
  • “Dial with old varnish.”

Documentation and Provenance

This clock is accompanied by an original set-up label, which is located on the pendulum door. This label provides primary information regarding the clock's assembly and initial configuration.

The object carries provenance from the collection of Rick Currier, who served as the long-term president of the board of directors for The Willard House and Clock Museum in Grafton, Massachusetts.

Evidence for this section
  • “Elnathan Taber inlaid mahogany Federal tall case clock with original set-up label”
  • “Pendulum door engraved label.”
  • “From the collection of Rick Currier, longtime board of directors president for The Willard House and Clock Museum”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the original set-up label referenced on the pendulum door?
  • Do the mending boards on the underside represent early repairs or structural modifications made during the clock's functional life?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elnathan Taber inlaid mahogany Federal tall case clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerElnathan Taber“Elnathan Taber inlaid mahogany Federal tall case clock”
Datecirca 1810“circa 1810”
Height94 inches“Height 94 in”
SignatureWarranted by E. Taber for Nathl. Johnson“signed Warranted by / E. Taber / for Nathl.. Johnson.”
ProvenanceCollection of Rick Currier“From the collection of Rick Currier, longtime board of directors president for The Willard House and Clock Museum”
ComponentsBrass-capped pendulum and tin can weights“Brass capped pendulum and tin can weighs.”

Visible details

  • Presence of fretwork atop the clock hood
  • Plaid pattern decorative spandrels on the dial
  • Moon phase aperture located above the center of the dial
  • Visible cross-banding on the central pendulum door

Research qualifications

  • The dial is noted by the source as having old varnish
  • The underside of the clock contains old mending boards

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Elnathan Taber inlaid mahogany Federal tall case clock with original set-up label, circa 1810. The hood with delicate fret work and brass ball and spire finials. The dial with moon phase and plaid corner spandrels, si...

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 9807ddcda0

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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