This clock was made for Newport’s Sabbatarian Meeting House in 1732. It was hung from the balcony rail facing the pulpit, where it remains today. The clock works were made by William Claggett. Born in England or Wales, Claggett immigrated to Boston with his family at a young age, where he learned the clockmaking craft. He relocated to Newport in 1716, where he gained prominence as a clock, watch, and compass maker, among other endeavors. He also repaired scientific instruments, created engravings, and built an electrical generating machine used for demonstrations in Newport and Boston. This clock is significant both for the skill of its craftsmanship but also because it is one of the first wall clocks constructed in the American colonies. Its 67-inch pine case may have been made in Boston, England, or Newport. The entire case is expertly japanned to display Claggett’s name (spelled “Clagget”) and location, as well as ornamental motifs of leaves, flowers, ribbons, Asian figures, and a Fenghuang bird. That Claggett’s name was displayed so prominently would have served as an indicator of authorship and a guarantee of quality.