Atkins, Whiting & Co. Bristol, CT. "Octagon Drop XX." 30-day wagon spring power wall clock. VV-71.

The Atkins, Whiting & Co., of Bristol, Connecticut, made this unusual and somewhat rare wall clock. The principals in this firm were Irenus Atkins, his nephew George Atkins and Adna Whiting. This firm was formed in 1850 and was dissolved in 1855. 

This model is called the "Octagon Drop XX." The case is constructed in rosewood and exhibits excellent graining throughout. Even the sides of the case exhibit excellent grain patterns. The surface or finish is old. It is quite nice having a mellow patina. A ripple-formed molding is applied to the outside edge of the octagon shape. This is an excellent detail that is not found on many wall-hanging clocks. The bezel is brass and is fitted with glass. The zinc dial is painted and is original to this clock. Both the club-style hands are original to this clock and are decoratively formed. The lower door opens from the top by turning the brass knob. The tablet is decorated from the back with gold leaf foil, and the decoration has a black background. This is original to this clock. You will see some areas of loss because the Clockmaker's label was pasted on the back of this glass. The label is in very good original condition. The movement is categorized as a "Type III." (See NAWCC Bulletin April 1953 and the article by Fred Selchow.) It has a large cast iron frame that is decoratively formed. The circular plates are brass. The wheels or gearing are a combination of tin and or brass. The top 2 wheels in the train are tinned steel. This is normal and was purposely used this way for reduced friction in this long-running movement. The movement is powered by a leaf spring. The spring uses eight leaves secured to the case with a single nut through its center. They are designed to power the movement for a run of 30 days on full wind. It is a time-only design. 

This clock measures 25 inches long and is 17 inches wide. It was made circa 1855. 

Inventory number VV-71.

For more information regarding this Maker and the other related Atkins firms, please see "The Clocks of Irenus Atkins" by Philip C. Gregory & Robert M. King.