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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Shelf clock

Shelf clock by David Wood

Partially verified

This shelf clock was manufactured by David Wood (1766–ca. 1850) in Newburyport, Massachusetts, between 1792 and 1800. Held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession number 30.120.53), the clock is constructed from mahogany, mahogany veneer, and white pine. It stands approximately 31 1/2 inches tall, 12 1/4 inches wide, and 6 1/4 inches deep. The design features a balanced case with a finial surmounting the hood and a lower body panel decorated with architectural motifs. The dial is enclosed within an upper glazed section, providing visibility for the timekeeping display. The piece forms part of the holdings of the museum's American Wing. This record is based on institutional documentation, and research into the maker's broader production remains ongoing.

A full view of the mahogany shelf clock, featuring its architectural case design and dial enclosure.
A full view of the mahogany shelf clock, featuring its architectural case design and dial enclosure. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Shelf clock
Maker / attribution
David Wood
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
30.120.53
Source-reported date
1792–1800
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

Construction and Design

The clock is crafted from a combination of mahogany, mahogany veneer, and white pine. It stands at a height of 31 1/2 inches and maintains a width of 12 1/4 inches, with a depth of 6 1/4 inches.

An architectural arch is present on the lower door, while the upper section houses the dial behind a glazed door, allowing for clear observation of the timekeeping display.

Evidence for this section
  • “Mahogany, mahogany veneer, white pine”
  • “31 1/2 x 12 1/4 x 6 1/4 in. (80 x 31.1 x 15.9 cm)”

Institutional Provenance

This object is part of the collection held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It is officially catalogued within the museum's American Wing, identified by the unique accession number 30.120.53. This documentation identifies the maker as David Wood, attributing the piece to his production period in Newburyport between 1792 and 1800.

The information provided is derived from the museum's own record-keeping systems. No additional catalogue references or independent horological studies have been supplied by the source to contextualize this specific clock beyond its museum entry. Consequently, the record serves as a direct reflection of the archival data maintained by the holding institution.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 30.120.53”
  • “Made in Newburyport, Massachusetts, United States”

Documentation and Research

The record for this shelf clock is currently limited to the details provided by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because no external catalogue references are included, the record functions as a singular point of data. The maker's lifespan is noted as 1766 to approximately 1850, providing a chronological framework for his active period in the United States.

At present, the source notes that the specifications and attribution within the museum record have not been independently verified against a broader set of academic horological references.

Evidence for this section
  • “this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider type, maker attribution and specifications against horological references.”
  • “David Wood (1766–ca. 1850)”

Open research questions

  • What specific type of movement (e.g., eight-day, weight-driven) powers this clock?
  • Are there hidden stamps or marks within the case that identify the cabinetmaker or movement manufacturer more precisely?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Shelf clock by David Wood
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDavid Wood“David Wood (1766–ca. 1850)”
Date1792–1800“1792–1800”
LocationNewburyport, Massachusetts, United States“Made in Newburyport, Massachusetts, United States”
MaterialsMahogany, mahogany veneer, white pine“Mahogany, mahogany veneer, white pine”
Dimensions31 1/2 x 12 1/4 x 6 1/4 in.“31 1/2 x 12 1/4 x 6 1/4 in. (80 x 31.1 x 15.9 cm)”
Accession Number30.120.53“30.120.53”

Visible details

  • The clock features a central brass finial atop the hood.
  • The lower section of the case includes an arched panel detail with a small ring pull.
  • The dial is housed behind a square glazed door within the upper section.
  • The case includes vertical fluted or reeded column accents on the side panels.

Research qualifications

  • Specific mechanical details of the movement are not provided in the source documentation.
  • The extent of historical restorations or repairs to the case is not specified.

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

Consulted source

Shelf Clock by David Wood, American, 1792–1800

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 3c66c25ee9

Terms in this record

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

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