Clock, Shelf

Object Name:

Clock, Shelf

Object ID:

1972.089.084

Place of Origin:

Bridgeport CT (case)/Waterbury CT (movement)

Date:

circa 1900

Description:

Small Brass Shelf Clock, Art Nouveau style, with cast, bronzed, and gilded metal case of elaborate form. Materials: unidentified metal; brass (movement); porcelain (dial). Case is widest at top, narrowing above splayed legs. Projecting female head with symmetrically curled hair at center top. Large flower at center bottom. Remaining surface decorated with vines, tassel-like flowers and long, narrow serpentine leaves. Recessed, circular dial at center of widest area of case with glass cover set within a bezel or "sash" of same material and vine decorate as case. Removable brass-plated inset cover, circular in outline on back of case. Projecting through the cover are a winding key, a knob for setting hands, and a regulation lever.
Round painted porcelain dial with arabic hour numerals; steel hour and minute hands differing in design; and a seconds dial below center. Monogram "J B Co" above center of dial. Impressed mark on back cover: "The Jennings Brothers Mfg. Co. / Bridgeport, Conn, U.S.A." and "Patented / Jan 15 1878 / May 6 1890 / Dec. 23 1890 / Jan.13 1891". "J.B./963." cast into bottom of case. Gilding somewhat worn. Impressed circular mark on plate of movement: "Waterbury Clock Co. / U.S.A.". One-day brass movement.

Material:

Metal
Brass
Glass

Dimensions:

H-7.25 W-4.25 D-2.5 inches

Provenance:

Part of a large clock collection (and related materials) including not only clocks made in N.H., but also several made elsewhere, acquired in N.H. by the donor (Charles S. Parsons, 1904-1988) and probably used here. However, no information about New Hampshire acquisition or use provided with regard to this clock.

Credit Line:

Gift of Charles S. Parsons

People:

Parsons, Charles S. (1904-1988)