Shelf Clock by Adam Logan (1760-1841), Watch & Clockmaker, New York Ca. 1823

Three period brass finials. Unusual ebonized arched case with large central dial, brass banded inlay around entire front case with repetitive circular reticulation and three brass eight-pointed stars inlaid to both lower corners. Period gilt brass grape-molded mounts at either side. Fusee movement. Signed on brass back plate "A. Logan/New York, 1823." Movement dimensions 9” tall x 9” wide

The clock movement is spectacular with is large proportions and fine craftsmanship. The seconds chapter is 30 seconds not the typical 60 seconds and the pendulum is extra heavy for a clock of this size. It has a finely cut fusee great wheel which protrudes from side of movement and is original wind chain. The movement plates are even thicker than an Elliot nine tube tall clock movement. On the rear is a finely detailed beat adjustment which is just magnificent. I‘ve never seen the like of it but it is just masterful construction and shows the competence of this little known 18th century watch maker. He has applied the quality of a fine chronometer to this shelf clock. On the front of time train beneath dial are 2 gears with lead counterweight set into quadrant of the 2 time train gears which compensate for the long minute hand, typical of a large marble dial clocks from the 1880s. This compensates for the long hand in lifting from the bottom of the hour to top of the hour and which can slow or even stop a clock and at the same time speed it up as the hand falls past the top of the hour. The large enamel painted dial is supported by 6 dial posts that attached directly to the front movement plates. This clock is a sight to behold and is worth the trip just to examine a fine piece of horology. The New York inscription is a nice bonus since it elevates the price to American collectors but the timepiece is spectacular before worrying where it came from.

Price: ...... $ Call

Adam Logan was apprenticed March 7, 1780 for 5 years to Alexander Jamieson, a quality clockmaker of Ayr, Scotland. He supposedly began working in New York City about 1803 and a watch was described as being made by Logan in 1805 according to G. H. Ballie reference. At best guess, he was believed to be made a naturalized citizen in 1806, and in 1827, he became a member of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of New York City.

There were entries for Adam Logan in New York City in Longworth's Directory of New York for 1815, 1820 and 1835. The 1829 Manhattan Directory p. 357 listed Adam Logan, watchmaker & jeweler, at 53 Chatham Street. Census data shows an Adam Logan living in 4th Ward of New York City in 1810, 1820 and 1830. The 1830 census indicated he was between 60 & 70 years old and his wife of that time was also of the same age range. It would make sense to say he was born 1750-1760. An Adam Logan died Aug. 28, 1841 in New York City. We can't be positive it was this particular Adam Logan, but there is a good chance they are one and the same.