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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tall clock

Tall Clock by Joseph Ward

Partially verified

This tall clock, accession number 1985.341, is held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is attributed to the maker Joseph Ward, who was active circa 1740–1760. The clock is dated to the period 1740–1755 and was manufactured in Boston, Massachusetts. Its construction materials include japanned white pine, brass, iron, and glass. The physical dimensions of the object are recorded as 84 3/4 inches in height, 20 inches in width, and 10 inches in depth (approximately 215.3 x 50.8 x 25.4 cm). The dial features an arched top with a name boss inscribed with "Joseph Ward." The display includes central hours and minutes, a subsidiary seconds dial, and a calendar aperture located above the six o'clock position. The clock is housed in a case decorated with japanning, reflecting the construction and stylistic practices associated with American makers of the mid-eighteenth century.

The dial of the tall clock by Joseph Ward, showing the signature boss, spandrels, and dial layout.
The dial of the tall clock by Joseph Ward, showing the signature boss, spandrels, and dial layout. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Tall clock
Maker / attribution
Joseph Ward
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1985.341
Source-reported date
1740–55
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 Materials

The tall clock is constructed from a combination of materials including white pine, brass, iron, and glass. The exterior of the case is finished with japanning, a decorative technique that was applied to the white pine housing to create a specific visual finish. The overall structure stands at 84 3/4 inches in height, with a width of 20 inches and a depth of 10 inches.

The dial assembly is comprised of a metal plate with applied corner spandrels and an arched top. The central portion of the dial is finished with a brass surface that contrasts with the silvered chapter ring and the subsidiary dial components. The clock remains part of the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in the American Wing.

Evidence for this section
  • “The museum records its materials as: Japanned white pine; brass, iron, glass.”
  • “Recorded dimensions: 84 3/4 x 20 x 10 in. (215.3 x 50.8 x 25.4 cm).”

Dial and Timekeeping Displays

The clock dial is formatted with Roman numerals for the primary hour track and Arabic numerals indicating five-minute intervals. The dial includes a subsidiary seconds dial located above the center of the main dial. A calendar aperture is located centrally above the six o'clock position. The signature of the maker, Joseph Ward, is engraved on a circular boss located in the arched top section of the dial.

The dial design incorporates elaborate corner spandrels and decorative scrollwork surrounding the name boss.

Evidence for this section
  • “The museum records its materials as: Japanned white pine; brass, iron, glass.”

Documentation and Attribution

This object is documented as accession number 1985.341 within The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is attributed to Joseph Ward, an American clockmaker documented as being active in the mid-eighteenth century, specifically between 1740 and 1760. The manufacture of the clock is localized to Boston, Massachusetts, and assigned a date range of 1740–1755.

The source provides these details based on museum registration. There is no independent catalogue reference provided, and the record serves as a museum-specific catalogue entry. The object is officially housed in The American Wing of the museum.

Evidence for this section
  • “Tall Clock made by Joseph Ward (active ca. 1740–60), dated 1740–55, from American.”
  • “Made in Boston, Massachusetts, United States”
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 1985.341”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement mechanism contained within the clock case?
  • Are there recorded service or maintenance history logs associated with this specific accession number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tall Clock by Joseph Ward
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJoseph Ward (active ca. 1740–60)“Joseph Ward (active ca. 1740–60)”
Date1740–55“1740–55”
GeographyBoston, Massachusetts, United States“Made in Boston, Massachusetts, United States”
MaterialsJapanned white pine; brass, iron, glass“Japanned white pine; brass, iron, glass”
Dimensions84 3/4 x 20 x 10 in. (215.3 x 50.8 x 25.4 cm)“84 3/4 x 20 x 10 in. (215.3 x 50.8 x 25.4 cm)”
Accession number1985.341“1985.341”
Holding institutionThe Metropolitan Museum of Art“The Metropolitan Museum of Art”

Visible details

  • The dial features an arched top with a silvered or metallic boss signed 'Joseph Ward'.
  • A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned above the central cannon.
  • The dial includes a calendar aperture at the six o'clock position.
  • The clock case shows evidence of japanned surface decoration.

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance history of this object is not provided in the source.
  • The attribution to Joseph Ward and the manufacturing date range represent museum documentation that requires further horological verification.

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

Consulted source

Tall Clock by Joseph Ward, American, 1740–55

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 58f1b45c8f

Terms in this record

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

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