Clock, Shelf
- Object Name:
- Clock, Shelf
- Object ID:
- 1972.089.027
- Place of Origin:
- probably Forestville, CT; possibly Concord, NH
- Date:
- 1856 -1875
- Description:
- Shelf Clock, with Glass Dome. "Briggs Rotary" type. Materials: white pine; brass; iron; paper; glass. Visible brass movement with round horizontal plates, lower plate set into center of round horizontal wooden base. Base is supported on three cast iron feet and has molded top into which fits a glass dome or bell. Round paper dial under dome set into round brass frame. Dial is attached to front of a vertical brass are screwed to upper plate. Brass pendulum bob in the form of a sphere suspended by string in front of dial, from end of same arm which curves forward above dial (pendulum bob moves in a circle). Paper dial has roman hour numerals and pierced steel hour and minute hands matching in design. Two circular openings in dial above and below its center allowing access to screws by which dial is attached to arm. Iron winding wheel attached on underside of wooden base. Thirty-hour movement. Impressed mark on front plate: "PAT. AUG 1855 / JULY, 1856". White pine base painted black.
- Material:
- Glass
Metal
Wood
Brass
Iron
Paper - Dimensions:
- H-7.5 Dia-5 inches
- Provenance:
- Movement invented by John C. Briggs, Concord, NH; Briggs holds patents from 1855 and 1856. It is not known who manufactured this particular clock; the major producer of this style was E. N. Welch Co., Forestville, Connecticut, early 1870s; however, Abiel Chandler of Concord NH is said to have produced these by 1858. This clock acquired by donor -- Charles S. Parsons (1904-1988) -- in Goffstown, New Hampshire, 1956; previous owner, Nichols, was said to have owned it for 50 years. It is part of a large clock (and related materials) collection, including not only clocks made in New Hampshire, but also several made elsewhere, acquired in New Hampshire by the donor and probably used here.
- Credit Line:
- Gift of Charles S. Parsons
Electronic Resources are only available to New Hampshire Historical Society members. To access electronic resources, please join the New Hampshire Historical Society.