Atkins Clock Company of Bristol, Connecticut. An "Octagon Top" Cottage Clock with a time and alarm movement. TT-86.
This Octagon Top cottage clock was made after 1865 in Bristol, Connecticut. The case is constructed in rosewood and retains an old surface or finish. It measures approximately 10 inches tall, 6.75 inches wide, and 3.5 inches deep. The front of the case is fitted with a door. The lower tablet is decorated in gold foil. The scene depicts a bird standing on a twig. This decoration is in excellent condition. The zinc dial is painted and is in good original condition. The time ring, formatted with Roman-style hour numerals, measures 3.5 inches across. The center is cut out to accommodate the brass alarm disk.
The movement is brass, coil spring powered, and designed to run for thirty hours on a full wind. This example features an alarm. This would have been included at an extra charge. The standard model was priced at $2.10 in 1876. This version of the movement arrangement was the final form for this style of clock.
The Clockmaker’s original paper label is pasted to the backboard. This is in very good original condition.
For additional information regarding Atkins and the various companies, please review, The Clocks of Irenus Atkins,written by Philip Gregory and Robert King.
Inventory number TT-86.
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 Bristol and later Forestville, Connecticut. He was a manufacturer of brass movement clocks and was involved in several firms. Most notable was the firm of Atkins and Porter. His firm, M. W. Atkins, spanned the years 1840-1857.Â
For additional information regarding the Atkins firms, please see Phil Gregory and Robert King's The Clocks of Irenus Atkins.
