Description:
Eight-day tall case clock with works by Nathan Hale (1771-1849) of Windsor, Vermont. The painted brass dial is inscribed "N. Hale Windsor / Verm't / No. 380 / 1793," and includes an hour ring in Roman numerals, a minute ring in Arabic numerals, and an hour, minute, and seconds hand.

Label Text:
This imposing tall case clock, part of a recent and generous donation of Vermont furniture from the collection of Patricia Passmore Alley and F. William Alley, stands as a testament to the growing community of affluent residents and skilled craftspeople–such as clockmaker Nathan Hale–who had established themselves in the Connecticut River Valley town of Windsor, Vermont, by the late 18th century. The dial is not only painted with Hale’s name and the date, but also a production number, “no. 380,” signifying it was Hale’s 380th. This number, possibly exaggerated, served as a key marketing device, reflecting Hale’s experience and industry as a clockmaker. The clock, an important acquisition, helps to expand the geographical breadth of Deerfield’s horological collection by representing the work of a late 18th-century, northern, Connecticut River Valley clockmaker and an as-of-yet unidentified cabinetmaker.

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2023.9.3

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