Wilmington, Delaware tall case clocks, 1740-1840
Date
1991
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The prosperity experienced by Wilmington, Delaware between 1740 and 1840 provided the economic foundation necessary to support the clock and cabinet makers who collaborated to fabricate tall case clocks. A shift in the city's focus from an agrarian to an industrial based economy parallels a shift in popularity from tall case clocks to less expensive, watches and shelf clocks. This study furthers previous research on Wilmington's clock and cabinet makers through biographical sketches which examine their shop locations, advertisements, inventories, and account books. In addition, an analysis of the account books of Ziba Ferris, a clock maker, offers a better understanding of the clock maker's trade in Wilmington. Statistical comparisons of annual shop transactions between 1807 and 1848 document Ferris's occupation as primarily a retailer of merchandise. The shop records list the origin of the clocks and watches repaired in Ferris's shop, providing a vivid account of Wilmington's involvement in coastal and European trade. An examination of decorative and construction details of several Wilmington tall case clocks examines the inter-relationships of shop traditions and craftsmen. George Crow I, a clock maker who also appears to have made the cases which house his works, is an atypical craftsman; Thomas Crow exemplifies the more usual arrangement of works by a single clock maker housed in cases made by a variety of cabinet makers.