Tall Clock 1725 - 1740

This tall clock was made in Boston by Benjamin Bagnall, sometime before his death in 1773. The clock has an ornate face with Roman numerals, a smaller dial showing the seconds, and a mechanism to set the clock to strike the hour or remain silent. But this clock is more than just a practical device to tell the time, it is a cultural artifact that can reveal the social and economic history of its time. Examining the clock’s design and craftsmanship, we can learn about the tastes and values of the wealthy Bostonians who would have purchased such an item. The clock’s presence in a home would have symbolized the owner’s status and sophistication. The Tall Clock speaks to us about the development of American craft and the growth of a consumer society. It's a testament to the skills of early American artisans. To understand it better, historians can consult period documents such as trade directories, probate inventories, and newspaper advertisements.