Atkins, Whiting & Co., Bristol, Conn. A 30-day gilded gallery clock. UU-86.

This is considered to be by Atkins clock collectors, a very rare model to find. In addition, is the fact that this example is in superb original condition. The back of this case measures a full 30 inches in diameter. The case is nicely shaped and decorated with applied gesso work. All of which is treated with a gilded finish. The color is excellent. Glass protects the 19-inch painted zinc dial. The hands are delicately formed and are original to this clock.

This clock features an unusual movement. It is powered by a large wagon or leaf spring. When fully wound, the eight springs provide enough drive to run the clock for a 30-day duration. It is a timepiece. The spring is held in place or supported by a large cast iron bracket. This 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 frame is decoratively scrolled and had to have contributed to the cost of producing this clock. The circular brass plates have been skeletonized. This movement is a combination of brass gearing and steel pinions. The pendulum rod is wood and supports a brass-faced bob. One can see from the pictures of this movement that the overall design is very interesting and intricate. All of this is hidden behind the dial. This movement was much more expensive to build as compared to a more common Connecticut format. 

This fine example was made circa 1857 and originally hung in a meeting house in south-central New Hampshire.

Inventory number UU-86.

Atkins Clock Company of Bristol and later Forestville, Connecticut.

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. 

For additional information regarding the Atkins firms, please see Phil Gregory and Robert King's The Clocks of Irenus Atkins.

  • Atkins, Whiting & Co., Bristol, Conn. A 30-day gilded gallery clock. UU-86. Delaney Antique Clocks.
  • Atkins, Whiting & Co., Gilded gallery clock. UU-86. Delaney Antique Clocks.
  • Atkins, Whiting & Co., Bristol, Conn. A 30-day wagon spring movement. UU-86. Delaney Antique Clocks.