Additional Information: Chain with three links has a complicated meaning regarding
good and harm; often Friendship, Love and Truth [The Three Link Fraternity] in this
case, above the All-Seeing Eye. The Eye of Providence (or the all-seeing eye of God) is
a symbol, having its origin in Christian iconography, representing the eye of God
watching over humanity. This example appears to be a well weathered rural artifact.
Numerous stylistic attributes relate this clock to other documented Titcomb & Bellamy
works, principally the arrangement of masonic symbols, the telltale treatment of the
Masonic G, the compass, stars, globes, pilasters, and their Corinthian capitals. Other
shop traditions include the horizonal “X” pattern carved in the base molding, and the
wings centering the dial. The stock thickness and weight are constant with the firm’s
oeuvre. This timepiece is unique whereas it is the only known example of this size.
Because of its proportions and the clockwork, it is probable that it was made to serve as
a personal alarm clock rather than a clock employed by a Masonic lodge.
Bellamy served as designer for the Titcomb & Bellamy firm which employed
apprentices and assistants in the manufacturing of Masonic themed brackets, frames,
and clock cases…Bellamy’s original conceptions and designs. Pieces were initially
machine cut before artisans made more detailed cuts with hand tools. From analysis of
this clock it is determined John Haley Bellamy was responsible for executing the
finishing surface cuts and carvings making the clock so special.
This clock was chosen to be featured within Bold & Brash – The Art of John Haley
Bellamy, a major retrospective of Bellamy’s art and woodcarving career at Discover
Portsmouth [2014] For additional information and comparisons see American Eagle –
The Bold Art & Brash Life of John Haley Bellamy by James A. Craig.
[Height: 11.5"; width: 10"; depth: 2.75"]
The Oneida Chapter of the Royal Arch was established in Utica in 1817. It still exists, so dating this piece was as simple as tracking down Thomas Colling in their records (likely 1817 to 1820). Thomas Colling was in Utica by 1810 – see “A Memorial History of Utica” – there are several mentions of him1. He was a village trustee, a clerk and treasurer for Utica after incorporation; very active in the village. Apparently, his occupation was as clerk at the Bank of Utica.
Traditional Masonic symbols surmounting an outstanding full-length figure of “Hope” at anchor and a ship in the distance within…the mnemonic HTWSSTKS. (Hyram/Hiram Tyrian Widow’s Son Sent to King Solomon) The obverse features a full-length depiction of a Goddess displayed with additional Masonic symbolism. All symbolism within rocker-engraved borders. The period paper print of the jewel makes this particularly interesting.
1. Edited by M. M. Bagg, M.D. SYRACUSE, N. Y., D. Mason & Co., Publishers 1892 PRESS OF D. MASON & CO., SYRACUSE, N. Y.)
During lectures when degrees were explained, these were removed from the wall and rolled out on the floor of the Lodge room; therefore the word "carpet". (Designed by John Sherer) (Generally very good, minor imperfections as expected; 45 by 38.5")
The obverse inscribed within concentric rocker-engraved border “H.T.W.S.S.T.K.S” centering full length
portrait of young woman [Hope] standing before an anchor; the border also rocker-engraved. The
reverse having similarly engraved border displaying initials “GM” in script within fancy border.
(3.125" x 2")
Albeit an early apron, the condition may be considered rough, small losses to spangles and bullion, some silk deterioration and soiling; not examined out of frame.
Accompanied by the 1941 auction catalog and a notarized letter dated 1914 recording purported history; owned by GGW which we do not support.
(Dimensions: 19.5 by 20.5" frame, 15.5 by 16" apron.)
This fabulous example exemplifying the art of the tinsmith measures approximately 3 1/4 by 1 1/4 inches, and fits into a 3 5/8 by 2 1/4 inch box with slide top and chased decoration, that is lined with the blue paper that was associated with high quality merchandise. The medal is beautifully handcrafted of copper with a soldering iron; tin shears and a tinker's hammer surrounding the letters "JS". A rectangular lozenge above the tools contains a piece of red glass perhaps suggesting a ruby associated with 40 years of service.
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