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John Nicholl Federal Tall Case Clock

About the Item

Federal Tall Case Clock Made and Signed by John Nicholl, (1784-1862) Belvidere, New Jersey Circa 1825 Primary Wood: Mahogany, Mahogany Veneers, Cherry Secondary Woods: White Pine Height: 91 1/2 inches Width: 18 inches Depth: 9 1/2 inches Reference: Please see Steven Petrucelli, Striking Beauty, New Jersey Tall Case Clocks 1730-1830 for another Belvidere, New Jersey example by Nicholl, page 75. That clock is in the Newark Museum. A fine and rare New Jersey clock, the case consisting of four turned feet below a base paneled on the three visible sides and flanking a well-articulated skirt. The center section of the clock is flanked by two 'rope-turned' inset quarter columns and flank a shell carved door. The shell is exceptional in its design and depth, as the carving went through the thick veneer and some of the cherry base is visible. The hood has two turned independent columns flanking a veneered door, all below a swan's neck pediment ending in brass terminals, surmounted by the original plinths and brass finials. The face is painted with a somewhat abstract pineapple motif in the corners, has Arabic numerals, and a finely rendered moon dial. The hands are gilt and appear to be original, as is the alarm mechanism. The case remains in excellent condition, having minor veneer repairs. It retains all of its original brass work and has no restorations or repairs of any note. It also retains a rich and deep patina, and much of its original color. Dating to 1825-30, this clock by John Nicholl is probably the latest in the exhibition. The face is inscribed: “Jno Nicholl / Belvedere / W,C,” The “W,C,” probably stands for Warren County. Notice the four hands on the main dial—an unusual feature in New Jersey clocks. In addition to hour, minute, and second hands, this clock has a hand indicating the day of the month on the inner chapter ring. In Nicholl’s own records, he wrote that he made a “small clock” that was musical. John Nicholl was born in Cullybackey, Ireland on August 9, 1784. With his sister Mary and her husband, he traveled to America in 1801; John was only 17 years old. Mary and her husband died of dysentery during the voyage, leaving Nicholl to start his new life alone. After his arrival in Staten Island, Nicholl moved around quite a bit working different jobs going as far south as Charleston, South Carolina and up north to Quebec. After returning from a trip to Ireland in 1818, Nicholl lived in Easton, PA, where he made his first clock in 1819. In 1821 he moved to Washington, NJ where he continued to work as a clockmaker. By the mid-1820s Nicholl was selling “eight and ten day Brass mantle timepieces, from 25 dollars upwards, with and without Moon, all of his own manufactory.” There are several tall case clocks known to be made by Nicholl, as well as several shelf clocks. Nicholl moved to the neighboring town of Belvidere the following year and would have made this clock around this time. He lived in Oxford, Warren County in 1840. He married Eliza Stewart (c. 1802–1883) of Hackettstown, NJ in 1822. The couple had a house full of at least five daughters, Margaret, Elizabeth, Mary, Ann, and Caroline. Incredibly, Nicholl’s oldest daughter Margaret saved scraps of paper on which Nicholl wrote down details about his life from 1859-60 (see Sperling, David A. “John Nicholl, Clockmaker of Belvidere, New Jersey.” In Maine Antiques Digest. February 2006). John’s cause of death is listed as “Palsy” and he died October 3, 1863. His inventory, proven December 1, 1863, shows a number of items related to the trade of clock and watch making. Among the list were: 1 clock sign, 1 clock, 2 large clocks, 1 mantle clock, 1 Box of watch hands, 1 silver watch, 1 Tool case and contents, Lot of watch crystals, 9 clock springs, 2 clock works, 6 clock weights. Other items like buckles and jewelry were possibly for selling as “other articles” as listed in his 1849 shop advertisement. He also had three pairs of spectacles (his failing eyesight was recorded by Margaret as one of reasons he stopped making clocks). His daughter Ann was the administratrix of the will. Interestingly, his widow Eliza did not select any clocks as items she wanted to retain for the family. John and Eliza, and their daughters are buried at the Belvidere Cemetery. Today, a historic marker on Wall Street, Belvidere marks the home of the clockmaker and his family.

Creator:
John Nicholl (Clockmaker)
Dimensions:
Height: 92.5 in (234.95 cm)Width: 28 in (71.12 cm)Depth: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)
Style:
Federal (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Mahogany,Maple,Gilt,Inlay
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Early 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1830
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. In excellent condition with the original case and works remaining intact. There are the expected cracks and minor veneer loss expected on a period antique. The clock is currently in running condition but shipping can alter that.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU10155242537732

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