Tower Clocks, c.1860
Jacob D. Custer
Norristown, Pennsylvania
Though self-taught, Jacob D. Custer (1805-1871) has been described as someone who could simplify the mechanical design of anything he touched. The movements of his tallcase and shelf clocks are evidence of his constant experimentation.
At his Norristown foundry he made more than one hundred tower clocks. He also manufactured a variety of other items including clockwork mechanisms used to rotate lights in lighthouses, forced lubrication grease cups and even a clockwork umbrella that opened and closed automatically to advertise a local parasol maker. Custer was given specifications for the manufacture of parts for additional iron-clad ships of the Monitor class, however the Civil War ended before work on these began.
Examples of Custer's tower clocks have been located in various Mid-Atlantic states. This particular example was in the Methodist Church in Glassboro, New Jersey. Although this clock has a dead beat escapement, which is common for 19th century tower clocks, it has a few unusual features. The pendulum, for example, is contained within the frame of the movement as opposed to outside the frame which is far more typical. Furthermore, the motion works uses two concentric pipes to drive the hands which is an unconventional design.
Donated by Dr. Warner D. Bundens, Jr., FNAWCC #1177
80.86.14