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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Shelf clock

Shelf Clock by Levi Hutchins

Partially verified

This shelf clock, accessioned as 2023.301a–c at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, is attributed to the maker Levi Hutchins and dated circa 1786. The clock is a tall, narrow, vertical instrument designed for placement on a shelf. The object's construction utilizes a combination of mahogany, brass, steel, lead, and iron. Its primary housing is made of mahogany, a hardwood commonly used in furniture of this era. The dial is made of brass and features inscribed Roman numerals and markings, with the maker’s name and location, "Levi Hutchins" and "Concord," clearly engraved on the face. The dimensions of the piece are recorded as 24 3/4 inches in height, 8 1/2 inches in width, and 4 1/2 inches in depth, reflecting its compact vertical form factor.

Full view of the Levi Hutchins shelf clock, showing the mahogany case, brass dial, and keyhole.
Full view of the Levi Hutchins shelf clock, showing the mahogany case, brass dial, and keyhole. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Sansbury-Mills and Richard Hampton Jenrette Americana Funds, 2023. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Shelf clock
Maker / attribution
Levi Hutchins
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
2023.301a–c
Source-reported date
ca. 1786
Source-reported place
United States, Concord

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 Construction and Materials

The object is constructed as a shelf clock with a primary mahogany case. Its proportions are defined by its narrow, elongated rectangular form, measuring approximately 24 3/4 inches in height. The exterior cabinet utilizes mahogany, consistent with the materials recorded by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The design includes a circular opening on the front face to display the brass clock dial.

The case includes a visible keyhole on the lower section of the door, indicating access to the internal movement and weights. The structure is built from materials identified in the museum record as mahogany, brass, steel, lead, and iron.

Evidence for this section
  • “measurements 24 3/4 × 8 1/2 × 4 1/2 in. (62.9 × 21.6 × 11.4 cm)”

Dial and Signature

The clock features a circular brass dial secured behind the front aperture of the mahogany case. The dial displays Roman numerals indicating the hours, with a secondary track marking minutes. The surface of the dial is engraved with the maker's signature, "Levi Hutchins," and the location, "Concord."

The placement of the signature is central, positioned above the hands' arbor. The dial's material is described as brass, which aligns with the internal movement components. The clarity of the inscription provides the primary basis for the attribution to Levi Hutchins, as recorded by the holding institution.

Evidence for this section
  • “maker recorded: Levi Hutchins”
  • “place associated: American, United States, Concord”

Provenance and Documentation

The clock is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art under the accession number 2023.301a–c. The institution has dated the object to circa 1786. The museum's record provides the technical specifications, including the physical dimensions and the materials used in the construction of the clock's movement and case.

The museum's documentation confirms the object is an American-made timepiece. The record is categorized as a shelf clock and serves as the primary source for the object's attribution and history.

Evidence for this section
  • “Museum object 2023.301a–c”
  • “Shelf Clock, Levi Hutchins, ca. 1786”

Open research questions

  • What specific type of movement (e.g., time-only or strike) powers this shelf clock?
  • Are there internal markings on the movement plates that corroborate the dial signature attributed to Levi Hutchins?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Shelf Clock by Levi Hutchins
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLevi Hutchins“maker recorded: Levi Hutchins”
Dateca. 1786“ca. 1786”
Dimensions24 3/4 × 8 1/2 × 4 1/2 in.“measurements 24 3/4 × 8 1/2 × 4 1/2 in. (62.9 × 21.6 × 11.4 cm)”
LocationConcord, United States“place associated: American, United States, Concord”

Visible details

  • Case constructed of mahogany with a centered keyhole for access to internal mechanisms.
  • Round brass dial features inscribed Roman numerals and a minute track.
  • Signature engraved as 'Levi Hutchins' above 'Concord' on the dial face.
  • Object displays a long, narrow body with a rectangular base and flat-top pediment.

Research qualifications

  • The exact internal mechanism functionality remains unverified by detailed technical inspection.
  • The attribution to Levi Hutchins is based on the museum's provided record without independent verification.

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

Consulted source

Shelf Clock, Levi Hutchins, ca. 1786

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ab5574abd7

Terms in this record

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

Other shelf clock records