Timby Solar Timepiece or Globe Clock. Saratoga Springs and Baldwinsville, New York. This very unusual case may have been a special order since it is the only example known. 221035.
These "Timby's Solar Timepieces" were made in Saratoga Springs and then later in Baldwinsville, New York. These distinctive clocks were manufactured and sold by L. E. Whiting, who advertised that they were the "Best made in America and unsurpassed in Europe... making it (the clock) an excellent timekeeper..." They were designed to illustrate the earth's diurnal revolution and thus marketed as a geographical educator for the school room and family. The company was formed in 1863 and lasted two short years (1865). It appears, from existing numbered labels, that they produced approximately 600 clocks. A small percentage of the clock found have movements are reported to have been made in Saratoga by E. F. Rawson. However, the majority of the movement production used was supplied by LaPort Hubbell.
This is a very unusual example due to the distinctive shaping and finish of the case design. The common versions are constructed in walnut, lack many of the three-dimensional moldings, and are finished to accentuate the wood's natural color and grain. The predominate molding is fitted to the top section of the case along with fitted with three distinctive finials. Two are mounted just below the cornice molding in a hanging position. The third finial is centered at the top of the case. This finial is often treated with gilding.
The unique version offered here is much more shapely in its case presentation. The curved moldings are well-formed and frame the information presentation of the clock. The walnut wood is treated with a jet-black finish. Many of the moldings are decorated with an applied string of brass beads. A turned wooden finial surmounts the top of the case. The bottom of this decoration is finished in gold. The gold represents the sun positioned over the earth/globe. This globe measures six inches in diameter and rotates once every 24 hours. The globe was manufactured in Boston and is marked with the Joslin Label. This label reads, "JOSLIN'S / Six Inch / Terrestrial Globe, / Containing the latest Discoveries. / BOSTON. / Gilman Joslin, / 1860." The condition of this globe is excellent, and it is easy to read. The globe is set on its meridian and can be viewed from both sides of the case. The time dial is mounted around the circumference of this globe along the equator. The time of the day is indicated by a brass arrow pointer mounted to the case. A second dial display is located in the lower section of the case. This lower paper dial is a minute display, and it also rotates. It makes one full revolution per hour. An alcohol Fahrenheit scale thermometer is mounted in front of this minute dial. This is an unusual feature for this manufacturer. The temperature standards of "FREEZING, SUMR HEAT," and "FEVER HEAT" are indicated. The movement for this clock is located behind this dial, and a thermometer is at the bottom of the case. It is brass construction and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It features a balance wheel escapement and is wound from the back of the case with a key.
The approximate dimensions of this case are as follows: 23.5 inches tall, 13.75 wide at the lower base molding, and 6.5 inches deep. This clock was made circa 1865.
Inventory number 221035.
The Timby Solar Timepiece. Lewis E. Whiting was a Saratoga Springs jeweler. He is listed as working there during the 1860s. Whiting worked with an ingenious designer named Theodore Ruggles Timby. The two men formed a company to build Tomby's Solar Time Piece in 1863. This company lasted only two short years (1865). Over that period, they sold approximately 500 unusual clocks that featured a Joslin's terrestrial globe in its design. The distinctive cases were constructed in walnut, and many were built in Saratoga by E. F. Rawson. All of the clocks featured spring-powered 8-day brass movement that incorporated balance wheel escapements. LaPort Hubbell made the vast majority of these movements. Inside many of the cases of these very unusual clocks, usually attached to the back of the lower door, is a label that reads: "TIMBY'S SOLAR TIME - PIECE, MANUFACTURED BY L. E. WHITING, SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y." It then describes the clock as, "Illustrating the Diurnal Revolution of the Earth, and serving as a GEOGRAPHICAL EDUCATOR for the SCHOOL ROOM and the Family, Ornamental in the Parlor, and useful everywhere. The old and unmeaning clock face may now be banished from use as no longer desirable. The movements in these Time - pieces is the best ever made in America, and unsurpassed in Europe; the balance wheel is set in jewels, making it as a time - keeper equal to the best lever watch and regulated in the same way. WIND ONCE A WEEK REGULARLY. WARRANTED accurate and of perfect workmanship throughout." This label is often numbered in ink. The highest number I have recorded to date is "497."
Theodore Ruggles Timby was born in New York State on April 5th, 1822. He was a very bright and industrious person and is credited with several inventions. He designed a floating dry dock system for the shipping industry, a revolving gun turret, which was installed on the Union's ironclad, the U.S.S. Monitor, and a sighting system and electrical firing system for heavy guns. Timby died in Brooklyn, New York, in 1909.
