Clock, Shelf

Object Name:

Clock, Shelf

Object ID:

1972.089.019

Creator:

Waterbury Clock CompanyClockmaker

Place of Origin:

Waterbury, CT

Date:

1870-1880

Description:

Shelf Clock. "Consort" pattern. Materials: rosewood, white pine; zinc (dial); brass (movement); secondary wood white pine. Low pitched pediment and plain side galleries above cove-molded cornice; straight sides; base with scotia molded top. Base projects at front and sides and is 2.25" wider and 1" deeper than body of case. Vertically oriented rectangular door with two glazed panels --clear glass above and mirror below. Upper panel almost three times higher than lower panel. Plain, slightly projecting strips flanking door. Door fastened with steel catch having pewter knob.
Square, painted zinc dial beneath upper glass panel. Opening at center of dial has scalloped Roman hour numerals; steel hour and minute hands matching in design; two winding holes, with brass grommets, below center of dial; brass alarm dial. Spandrels decorated with transfer-painted gilt scroll designs. Eight-day brass movement with strike and alarm. Impressed mark on front plate: "WATERBURY / CLOCK CO /CONN".
Entire visible surface of case veneered with rosewood except molded top pediment, slanted top of cornice and molded sides of projecting strips flanking door. These elements probably pine, are all painted black. Large printed label, glued to inner surface of lower backboard, reading in part: "WATERBURY CLOCK COMPANY, / WATERBURY, CONN. / MANUFACTURERS OF....". Additional printed label on inside of central door rail: "Patented Aug. 30th, 1870, Consort". Mirror backed with white paper. "May Dolittle" written in pencil on back. Additional pencil inscription giving information re. cleaning and/or repair in 1881.
Separately stored parts: pendulum bob.

Material:

Wood
Rosewood
Glass
Metal
Brass
Zinc

Dimensions:

H-15.625 W-11.375 D-4.625 inches

Provenance:

Clock made by the Waterbury Clock Co., Waterbury, CT. Clock has name "May Dolittle" written on back (unidentified).
Clock 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 (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:

Dolittle, May, Parsons, Charles S. (1904-1988)