A unique American Federal Inlaid Mahogany Mantel Clock, the enamel dial signed: “Brian Blake Barker / New York”, circa 1790
22 ½ in. [57 cm] H
12 in. [31 cm] W
8 in. [20 cm] D
This clock is the only known American example of the English, late Georgian form, today known as a "balloon" clock. Although this style of clock case appeared during the early 1780's, about the same time as the first hot air balloon ascensions were being made by the Montgolfier brothers in Paris, the designation "balloon clock" was probably acquired in Victorian times. Their popularity was brief, but at the time the present example was made, they were the height of fashion. It has been suggested that the waisted outline of contemporary Massachusetts shelf clock dials derive from the balloon case.
Unlike the bell top straight sided bracket clock case, a balloon case is built up from numerous horizontal blocks, carved to a curved outline then veneered and inlaid with highly figured wood. The process is labor intensive and may account for their relative scarcity. The primary exterior woods used in the Barker case are solid cherry and veneers of satinwood and mahogany. The interior woods are conifer, poplar and mahogany. These materials, as well as the complete absence of oak among the secondary woods of the case leave little doubt that the case was made in America. A comparison of construction details with London-made clocks also support this attribution.
Often, English examples of these clocks have movements that take advantage of the interior dimensions of the case by using a long pendulum with anchor escapement. In contrast, the round engraved brass twin fusee movement of Barker’s clock has a simple knife edge suspended verge escapement with short bob pendulum. It strikes the hour on a bell mounted on the back plate. The movement was most likely made to Barker’s order in London, as American clockmakers lacked the ability to easily make spring driven movements. The hard white enamel dial adds a touch of luxury. The hands are 19th century replacements..
Brian Blake Barker was a provincially trained English watchmaker who worked nearly 20 years in New York City before returning to England. He was apprenticed to Samuel Norton, master Watchmaker, Great Yarmouth, Suffolk, on 1 March 1777, for a period of 7 years. He apparently emigrated to America shortly after completing his term for, by 1787, the first year a New York City Directory was published, he is listed as a watchmaker at No. 7 Queen [now Pearl] Street adjacent Hanover Square.
Barker advertised in twice in 1787. On April 10, he offered a reward of £6 for the return of a watch stolen from his shop. On July 21 he offered two fine English watches for sale, a lady’s gold and enameled watch and a gentleman’s gold pair case watch, “made by one of the best makers in London...”
In 1789 he removed to nearby, No. 1 Hanover Square, and apparently remained there until “obliged from his ill state of health to leave the city...” in 1801. The New York directory indicates he moved to Brooklyn in 1802, returned to Manhattan briefly and apparently left for London in 1805, after which date he is no longer listed.
His return to England is documented in Baillie, “Barker, Bryan [sic] Blake, free [of Clockmaker’s Company] 7 April 1806, [by patrimony] son of Edward, watchmaker, Newport St.” Several makers with the surname Barker , including James, identified as Brian’s son, were active in Clerkenwell until the 1840's |
