Atkins Clock Manufacturing Company of Bristol, Connecticut. This model is called the “Parlor No. 1.” 224065.

This is a seldom-seen Atkins-made mantel clock. The original clockmaker’s label can be found pasted on the white pine backboard. It is in good overall original condition. It reads, “PATRNRT EQUALIZING LEVER SPRING THIRTY DAY CLOCK, / Manufactured by the / ATKINS CLOCK MF’G CO., Bristol, Conn.” An additional yellow label is located inside the case.

The case is constructed in rosewood and retains an older finish and a warm patina. The rosewood graining is exceptional and shows itself better in person than in these photographs. The case is architecturally designed. It sits on a molding that will rest flat on a shelf. The front of the case features two access doors. The lower door is fitted with a period mirror. This lower door provides access to the pendulum bob and rating nut. The upper door opens to access the dial, winding arbors, and hands. This door glass is decorated from the back. The gilt floral patterns frame the dial. This decoration is quite subtle.

This dial, a painted zinc dial, has been restored in the distant past. It is unusual to find an Atkins clock with its original painted dial. Most examples have been repainted due to the poor preparation of the tin when first painted. This dial features Roman-style hour numerals and a closed minute ring. Club-style hands display the time.

This clock features an unusual movement that Joseph Ives designed. (These wagon spring movements were categorized by Fred Selchow in an April 1953 NAWCC bulletin. This version is referred to as a “Type 3.”) It is constructed with circular-shaped plates. Steel shafts support brass and steel gearing, hardened steel pinions, and a recoil escapement. Geneva-style winding stops are located on the front plate. It is powered by a large leaf spring or flat spring held or supported by a large cast iron bracket. The leaf spring in this example is composed of eight leaves. The cast iron bracket was necessary to prevent the case from breaking apart under the pressure of a fully wound movement. The bracket, or the heavy cast iron framing, is decoratively scrolled and had to have been a major factor in producing this clock’s cost. One can also assume that this movement was much more expensive to build than a more common Connecticut format. The movement is a combination of brass gearing and steel pinions. When fully wound, this clock is designed to run for 30 days. One can see from the pictures that this clock’s beauty is in the movement’s design. Unfortunately, this isn’t easy to view due to the case’s design.

For those considering adding this piece to their collection, it's important to note that this clock measures approximately 17 inches tall, 5 inches deep, and 13 inches wide. These dimensions make it a perfect fit for any mantelpiece or shelf.

This clock was made circa 1852.

Inventory number 224065.

This clock is sold fully serviced and in excellent working order. The movement has been completely disassembled and cleaned. Areas of wear are addressed while the movement is rebuilt. The movement is then lubricated and tested to ensure its performance.