Tall Case Clock
WOODS: primary wood is mahogany with mahogany veneer with light wood inlay; poplar backboard; white pine glue blocks and upper case crosspiece (Microanalysis of wood by BLR)
STYLE: The case, with high scrolled pediment ornamented with pierced fretwork, the highly ornamented tympanum, the urn motif on the plinth, and the inlaid friege, simulating fretwork, above the case door, are repeated on several cases with different Baltimore clockmaker’s names. Common also to Baltimore is the string inlay on the finial and flanking columns.
RELATED WORKS: Silver cream pot signed by Elvins (MESDA Acc. No. 4041)
INSCRIPTION: On dial: “William Elvins/ Fells Point/ Baltimore”
MAKER: Fells Point, the older part of Baltimore, was the home of William Elvins. William Elvins is listed in the Baltimore directory as a watch and clock maker from 1796 until 1808. In 1799, he announced his removal from 4 Fell Street and advertised work in silver as well. From 1802 until 1808 Elvins is listed at 12 Fell Street. (See Pleasants and Sill, Maryland Silversmiths).
