Embedded Files
Luther Goddard apprenticed under relative Simon Willard in Grafton, Massachusetts and opened his own silversmith, and clock and watchmaking business in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts in the mid 1780's.
In 1803, he partnered briefly with watchmaker James Hamilton. Luther Goddard acquired watchmaking tools from Providence watchmaker, John Cairns' estate in 1809, and also from Thomas Harland's estate in 1807 (Delaney). Sons Parley (born 1787), and Daniel (born 1796), apprenticed to their father and became important partners as they expanded the business to become the first large-scale American manufacturer of watches. Its likely that the few parts they didn't manufacture such as the dial, spring, and fusee chain were acquired from Daniel Waldo Jr., an importer of parts for the watch trade working in nearby Worcester (thanks to Michael Edidin for information on Waldo).
In 1817, Luther and his son Daniel relocated from Shrewsbury to Worcester. It is assumed that the watchmaking operation in Worcester exclusively utilized imported English finished movements, but this assumption may not be correct. Given that Parley continued to manufacture in nearby Shrewsbury supports the likelihood that locally finished watches were being sold at both locations for some period of time. Parley goes off to do other things, but later joins Daniel in Worcester in 1824.
Importantly, there has never been a comprehensive study of surviving Goddard watches to factually state what was taking place and when; articles and websites that state otherwise are just parroting others who also do not know. For certain, both locations continued to use locally made watch cases.
Early American Watchmaking
Verge and fusee movement, serial number 341, engraved “L. & D. Goddard & C in WORCESTER.” The words “in WORCESTER” is unusual and likely indicates a date of manufacture close to when they relocated in 1817. The "C" for company likely refers to Parley.
Eagle Case Maker's Mark
The silver consular case on this watch is very well-constructed and heavy. It has 3 eagle case maker marks on the outer cover and 2 more on the inner cover. Daniel Goddard was a listed silversmith and likely the maker of these cases. Both covers are also stamped with the number 299. Note that Goddard watches are known to have different serial numbers on the movement and case (Small, Number 48, page 360).
Additional References and recommended reading:
David Cooper, John Cairns (1751-1809) and Other Early American Watchmakers, NAWCC Watch & Clock Bulletin, No. 336, (February, 2002), pp. 26-38
Delaney Antique Clocks Website, http://delaneyantiqueclocks.com/products/maker/123/ , last visited January, 2019
Small, Percy Livingston, Luther Goddard and His Watches, NAWCC Watch & Clock Bulletin, Part 1, Number 48, April 1953 and Part 2, Number 52, February 1954
Google Sites
Report abuse