Clock, Shelf

Object Name:

Clock, Shelf

Object ID:

1972.089.101

Creator:

Waterbury Clock CompanyClockmaker

Place of Origin:

Waterbury, CT

Date:

1881

Description:

Shelf Clock of black imitation marble type. Materials: unidentified woods; brass; paper (dial). Rectangular wooden case with ovolo molded cornice, the top of which has a scotia-molding at edges. Base with scotia molded top; projection at center front of body. Circular glass door at center of projection enclosing dial; brass bezel and catch. Case painted black and decorated with incised geometric and stylized floral ornament on front of base, in spandrels of projection surrounding dial and on recessed surfaces flanking center. Incised lines not gilded.
Round printed paper dial backed with zinc and bordered at inner and outer edges with rims of brass. Roman hour numerals; visible escapement; steel hour and minute hands differing slightly in design; two winding holes, with brass grommets, below center of dial; regulation aperture above. Eight-day brass movement with strike. Impressed mark on back of back plate: "WATERBURY CLOCK CO / WATERBURYCONN. / PATENTED NOV.1.1881" with star above. Circular opening at center back of case with round pivoting metal cover, painted black and having raised star at its center.
Wooden bottom and back boards painted black. Fragment of printed paper label with white lettering on black paper at bottom of back. Two drilled holes in bottom board. Four round wooden foot pads on bottom.
Separately stored parts: winding key, pendulum bob.

Material:

Wood
Metal
Paper
Glass
Brass

Dimensions:

H-9.75 W-11.5 D-5.5 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)