Posted 12 years ago
PaulD
(1 item)
This clock was recently purchased from an estate sale and is assumed to be an early Waterbury. There is no label on the case. Family history has the clock manufactured during the Civil War and that it first saw service in a train station. The clock was purchased and came to California from Missouri in the late 1800's. Case dimensions are approximately 84" tall, 10" deep and 23" wide at the crown molding. the case is oak, the glass is original.
Hello Paul D,
This is a very, very nice clock. The movement, dial, hands and that distinctive pendulum all look like Waterbury Clock components. The general shape of the case resembles the Waterbury Regulator No. 7 in shape and dimensions but the No. 7 is not quite a big and has more elaborate carvings.
All of the grand scale, hanging wall regulators in my reference suggest circa late 1880s early 1890s. Perhaps this was a very early precursor of Waterbury's line of Wall Regulators? Have you seen the front, or back plate of the movement? There is normally some type of stamp in the brass. Manufacturer's name, patent date(s). If you can safely remove the hands and dial, that might give you more information. The patent dates can only tell you the earliest possible date of manufacture, but if one is present it might shed light on whether or not this clock could have been manufactured during the Civil War.
It's a beautiful clock in any case. Thanks for sharing it.
Regards
Bruce,
Thank you for your comments and suggestions.
I've just about adjusted the clock properly to its new home and for the last 36 hours it has been dead on to the second.
I have considered your proposal to remove the hands and face plate however I am reluctant to do so. With the side covers open I can see quite a bit of the front plate, and I do not see a hint of any markings. With the clock running so well I am not comfortable with removing the works from the cabinet to examine it more closely.
The family's oral history of the clock was passed through several generations and is therefore suspect. That said, the Patriarch of the family when they moved from Missouri was a historian and had published a massive tomb on the settlement and founding families of the Missouri Territory. I am not sure if that lends any more credence to the accuracy of the story of the clock, but it might.
Again, thank you for your response.
Paul D.
Hi Paul,
I don't blame you. The dates aren't wildly off and the opportunity will present itself when the clock eventually requires some maintenance.
These were true "Regulators". Clocks with great accuracy and reliability. One could regulate other watches and clocks using them. Enjoy! :)