This coffin clock, sometimes referred to as a box clock, is a scaled down copy of an antique clock. The original was built by Levi Pitkin of Vermont around 1800. It was very large – over 45 inches high – had an eight-day, weight-driven movement and a hand-painted, wooden dial face.
This clock has the same proportions but is scaled down to 24 inches high for the smaller homes of today. This version uses a modern quartz movement with a 16 inch long pendulum. The clock is nothing more than a simple box with a lid.
A religious sect who started in England around 1706 and became known as Shakers due to their quivering and shaking during their meetings, believed their furniture was originally designed in heaven. Thus, they tried to make their furniture perfect and free from blemishes.
By 1840 there were about twenty colonies in the United States. Shakers became well known for their fine furniture and products. The Shaker elders were allowed to carry timepieces, but for everyone else such watches were considered an indulgence. Clocks however, were indispensable and did not have the restrictions watches had.
There were only a few clock makers and one of the most famous was Isaac Benjamin Youngs (1793-1865). Although Isaac built tall case clocks, his most well known clock is this relatively small wall clock. Isaac Youngs was not afraid to experiment and to try innovative ideas. This clock is a copy of a clock Isaac Youngs completed in May 1840 when he was 47.
The boxes on display are made from Oak, sourced from local managed wood. Please look out for our speciality 'antique' reproduction clocks on display during NEOS 2010 and make your booking when you have time.
HISTORY
The boxes are made using all our offcuts that landed on the take off bench next to the crosscut saw. The boxes have mitred corners with glued and pinned top and bottom boards. It was an exercise in using all the timber we process without any waste. They are therefore very sound (ecologically speaking). But I think this is lost due to the fumes from the lacquer.
These boxes can be used to hold various small items, jewelry, etc..
We can line your box with fabric for that posh touch.
