(1795-1882). Westport, Massachusetts. Shepherd was born in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. He trained under John Bailey II, a clockmaker from Hanover, Massachusetts. Shepherd started working on his own in 1816, the year this clock was believed to be constructed. In 1820 he formed a partnership with Ezra Kelly. This mahogany constructed cased tall clock features a number of unusual design elements that are worth noting. The first are the feet that elevate the case. All four are an ogee form. They are tall and slender. All four are three dimensionally designed and have two shaped facings that are positioned at a ninety degree angle. This is standard practice for the construction of front feet. It is very unusual to find the back feet constructed in this manner. This is due to the fact that molding at the back of the foot is generally not seen; it actually shims the clock off the wall slightly. The base section features an inset panel. The mahogany selected for this location is excellent. The grain pattern is vibrant and formatted vertically. The front corners of the base feature an unusual detail. They have been turned smooth in a three quarter round design and this softens the edges. The waist is long and centers the rectangular shaped door. This door is also fitted with an inset panel. The use of inset panels in clock case construction in New England is unusual. It is more common in some of the southern locales. The outer edge of the door is trimmed with a narrow applied molding. Smoothly turned quarter columns that terminate in brass quarter capitals flank the sides of the waist. These columns are actually veneered with figured mahogany. The hood features a molded arch that supports a whale’s tail fret pattern. Three finial blocks help support this unusual fret pattern. The blocks also support case brass ball and spike finials. The bonnet columns are smoothly turned and terminate in brass capitals. The side panels are drilled out in a diamond pattern. The holes are backed in red silk. The purpose of the holes is to let the sound of the bell when struck to more easily escape the inside of the hood. The bonnet door is arched in form and glazed opening to a colorfully painted iron dial. This iron dial measures 13″ across and was paint decorated by a Boston ornamental artist. Each of the four spandrel areas are decorated with a colorful medallion. These are framed with lacy raised gesso designs that are highlighted with gilt paint. A lunar calendar or moon phase mechanism is located in the arch of this dial which also features a ship at sea. This dial also displays the hours, minutes, seconds and calendar date in the traditional location. This dial is wonderfully signed by the clockmaker in a script format. This signature is located below the calendar date display and above the Roman hour numeral VI. The signature simply reads, “Nath Shepherd / Westport”. The brass constructed movement is weight powered and designed to run eight days on a full wind. The strike train is actuated by a rack and snail system. This clock is designed to strike each hour on a bell mounted above the movement on a stand. 90 1/2″ high with finial x 20 1/4″ wide x 11″ deep. Provenance: Delaney Antique Clocks, West Townsend, Massachusetts. Description was from John Delaney on a receipt to the consigner. Fretwork, dial, and feet show professional restoration. Locking mechanism on door replaced. Appears to be in good working condition.
