Boston Clock Co., Boston, Massachusetts. An early walnut-cased wall clock, referenced as the Style 5. The movement stamped No. 20. 225117.
This popular wall clock shape, with a circular wooden bezel and a long drop beneath, boasts a unique case form. The Boston Clock Co. (BCC) has designated this case as their “Style 5,” a shorter, more compact version of its counterparts, measuring 30.5 inches in length. This BCC version has a compact appearance. It is the British Bulldog of the form.
The case is constructed in walnut and retains its original red-tinted shellac finish. The presentation allows the interesting wood grain to be visible. The wooden bezel is nicely shaped and measures 14.5 inches in diameter. A clear glass lens is fitted into this bezel, protecting the dial.
This painted zinc dial measures 11 inches in diameter. A closed minute ring frames the Roman-style hour numerals. Open moon hands depict the time. This dial is signed, “W. E. Hadlock & Co. / BOSTON.” The Hadlock firm operated a business on State Street from 1874 to 1915. They were chronometer makers and retailers for the Boston Clock Co.
The lower section of the case features a second access door that also latches closed. The door frame is fitted with a glass panel decorated with a red-and-gold design. This original cracked glass, with a crack in the upper left corner, has been repaired and is now stable. The restoration was so successful that it is actually smooth to the touch and could support its own weight. The gilt designs painted on the glass break up the brick red field of color. In the center is an aperture left unpainted, allowing one to view the brass-covered pendulum bob that swings inside the case. Another nice design element is the shaped ears positioned above this door and below the bezel. The bottom molding, designed with numerous steps and og cu ves, is substantial.
The movement is brass and is die-stamped by the Clockmaker on the lower edge of the front plate. It is also die-stamped with the numbered “20” in the upper left corner. I believe the number 20 is a production number indicating that this is an early mechanism. This movement is weight-driven and is designed to run for eight days. The wooden pendulum rod supports a brass bob adorned with a spiral design. The motion of the pendulum bob can be viewed through the opening of the painted tablet in the lower door.
This clock case is approximately 35.75 inches long overall and was made circa 1884.
Inventory number 225117.
The Boston Clock Company was organized by Joseph H. Eastman, James Gerry, and others on May 29, 1884. It was actually located in Chelsea, Mass. This company was formed as the successor to Joseph H. Eastman's Harvard Clock Company 1880-1884. Joseph H. Eastman became the manager of this new firm. This company failed in 1895, and in March of the same year, Joseph Eastman and others tried to revive it as the Eastman Clock Company. This new firm lasted only one year and eventually became the Chelsea Clock Co. in 1897.
The Boston Clock Company manufactured clocks predominately in the style of various crystal regulators, carriage clocks, and other mantel clocks in marble cases. These clocks often featured a compensating balance wheel spring-powered movement. A small number of weight-driven wall clocks were also produced. Most of which were similar in form to the Howard model No., 5 & No., 70 and the Chelsea No., 1.
Boston Clock Company clocks were sold through salesrooms that included Smith & Patterson in Boston, G. S. Lovell & Co in Philadelphia and Wm. H. Atwater in New York.
