Unraveling the Romance with a Vintage Gothic Manross Timepiece Clock
In the realm of American clockmaking, the name Elisha Manross (1792-1856) stands as a significant figure, particularly known for his Gothic Steeple clocks produced during the mid-19th century. A recent study, published in the October 1993 NAWCC bulletin, sheds light on the intricacies of one such clock.
Dating History
The dating of Manross’s Gothic Steeple clocks typically falls between the late 1840s and the 1850s. This estimation is supported by several factors:
- Movement Construction: The use of brass mainsprings rather than steel ones, a preference that was more common earlier in the century but became standardised by mid-19th century clockmakers like Manross, is one such factor.
- Count-Wheel Location: Another key detail is the placement of the count-wheel striking mechanism behind the dial. This design choice, indicative of mid-19th century American clock design, is a feature that helps place the clocks chronologically.
- Veneer Orientation: The veneer work on the cases, including the orientation of grain and application style of wood veneer, reflects the Gothic Revival aesthetic popular in that era. Vertically oriented veneers often used for the steeple’s peak to emphasise height and architectural lines are a common characteristic of these clocks.
Significance in Clockmaking and Design
The Gothic Steeple clocks by Elisha Manross are noteworthy for several reasons:
- Brass Mainsprings: The use of brass mainsprings in these clocks is significant as it shows a preference or experimentation period before steel mainsprings became the norm. Brass mainsprings were sometimes used to reduce friction and wear, but were less common because they were less resilient than steel. Their presence helps date the clocks and reflects technical choices relative to durability and performance.
- Count-Wheel Location: The count-wheel mechanism controls the striking of the clock. Placing it behind the dial instead of at the back of the movement could imply a more compact or aesthetically prioritised interior design. This arrangement is typical of clocks before the widespread adoption of rack-and-snail striking mechanisms in the latter 19th century, marking Manross’s clocks as part of an evolutionary step.
- Veneer Orientation: The vertical grain orientation of veneers on the Gothic Steeple cases was part of the stylistic vocabulary of the period, emphasising upward movement and Gothic architectural elements. This choice enhances the visual impact of the clock and is a hallmark of the Gothic Revival influence in American decorative arts during that time.
The Discovered Clock
A specific example of this clock, recently studied, was manufactured no later than 1850. The label on the clock, printed by Elihu Geer in 1850, suggests that the case may have been constructed in 1843. Records show that steeple cases were made by Manross between 1847 and 1853, which, combined with the label discovery, allows for a safe dating of the clock within a 5-7 year period.
The count-wheel placement in the rear of this movement adds complexity to the lever arrangement and is rare in American time and strike movements. On the back of the door of the described clock, the left side of the upper tablet is inscribed 8/43, twice, which may indicate the case was made in 1843.
This 30-hour clock by Elisha Manross has distinctive features that help in its dating: brass mainsprings, count-wheel located in the middle on the backplate, and veneer on the front columns and door in a vertical orientation. These features, along with the label discovery, provide valuable insights into the history and evolution of American clockmaking during the mid-19th century.
