Atkins Clock Company of Bristol, Connecticut. This Regulator No. 2 features a 30-day weight-driven movement. 223312.
Many Atkins collectors consider this one of the more desirable models to own. Unfortunately, it isn't easy to find in the marketplace.
This impressive model features a rosewood veneered case. The grain of rosewood features dark streaks that run through a rich brown background. The finish that protects the wood has clouded up over time. As a result, the grain pattern is somewhat subdued. The large solid wooden bezel is painted black and fitted with a glass panel. This glass protects the dial.
This painted zinc dial measures 18 inches in diameter and, as a result, can be read from across the room.
The segmented time ring is formatted with sizeable Roman-style hour numerals. Because of the large size of the dial, the minute hand has to be counterbalanced. Both hands feature a spade design on the ends.
The lower door is fitted with its original hand-done gold leaf and paint-decorated tablet. This example is in excellent original condition. The title "REGULATOR" is boldly displayed. A clear opening in the design of the decoration is left open to view the motion of the lead pendulum bob, which is covered in brass. The gilt and red designs pop off their black background.
This example retains its original setup label pasted on the backboard inside the case.
The movement is brass construction, having large brass rectangular plates and roller pinions. Two cast iron weights power it. These weights are original to this clock and are custom-fitted to the weight channels. It is designed to run for 30 days on a full wind. Both weights power the same train simultaneously by powering the same wheel. This movement is of good quality.
This clock case measured approximately 42 inches in length, 22 inches wide, and 5 inches deep. This clock was made circa 1870.
This firm was established in 1859 to succeed the Atkins Clock Manufacturing Company, which went bankrupt in June of 1858. In 1859, 12 employees made approximately 4000 clocks.
Merritt W. Atkins was born in 1804 and died in 1873 at 69. He worked in both Bristol and later Forestville, Connecticut. He was a manufacturer of brass movement clocks and was involved in several firms. Most notable would be the firm of Atkins and Porter. His firm, M. W. Atkins, spanned the years 1840-1857.
Inventory number 223312
This firm was established in 1859 to succeed the Atkins Clock Manufacturing Company, which went bankrupt in June of 1858. In 1859, 12 employees made approximately 4000 clocks.
Merritt W. Atkins was born in 1804 and died in 1873 at the age of 69. He worked in both Bristol and later Forestville, Connecticut. He was a manufacturer of brass movement clocks and was involved in several firms. Most notable would be the firm of Atkins and Porter. His firm M. W. Atkins spanned the years 1840-1857.
For additional information regarding the Atkins firms, please see The Clocks of Irenus Atkins written by Phil Gregory & Robert King.
