Boston Clock Co., Boston, Massachusetts. No 188. Style 12. Wall clock. BBB-14.
The Boston Clock Company was organized by Joseph H. Eastman & James Gerry on May 29, 1884. It was actually located in Chelsea, MA. This Company was formed as the successor to the Harvard Clock Company. Joseph H. Eastman became the manager of this new firm. In January of 1894, the Boston Clock Company was sold to the Ansonia Clock Company of Brooklyn, New York. All tools, machinery and patents were included in the sale. In March of the same year, Joseph Eastman and others tried to revive it as the Eastman Clock Company the following year. This new firm lasted only one year. The Boston Clock Company manufactured clocks predominately in the style of the crystal regulator, carriage clocks, and other mantel clocks in marble cases. Wall clocks were produced in limited numbers.
Many clock businesses offered a wall clock in their product line. The vast majority of these clocks featured a circular dial over a simple rectangular box of various lengths. This form is a natural fit for the function of the mechanism. This example is somewhat unusual in that the dial surround is not your typical round shape but is a much more interesting form that has been embellished with carvings, moldings, and finials. It is a much fancier form than the standard fair offered by their competitors.
This case is constructed in cherry and features an older and possibly original finish. The case design features an applied bracket molding below the area where the pendulum is to swing. The primary molding is nicely shaped and extends beyond the shape of the pendulum box. The pendulum box is fitted with a hinged door. This provides access to the interior of the case. A painted glass tablet is featured in this location. This tablet is painted from the back. The design is formatted with a black field, a gilt framing, a blue interior field of color, and a gilt circle around the pendulum viewing opening. The color choice of blue is very unusual. The Boston Clock Company used several colors in this location in their product line. Their competitors were not as flexible. Through the gilt circle, one can see the brass-faced pendulum bob. This brass-covered bob is wonderfully engraved with a somewhat complex pattern. Please note the two small areas that have oxidized on the surface. The pendulum bob is supported by a wooden rod. It swings in front of a wooden divider that protects the pendulum from the cast iron drive weight. Please note the small tag is pasted to the divider. This is a factory sticker that lists the case style and movement, and case numbers. All numbers match this fine example. The case transitions up to the head section with a simple molding. The top of the case is actually a door that opens to access the dial. This bezel is wonderfully decorated with a number of carved details that include fans, cove moldings, and scrollwork. Four turned finials are mounted on the corners. At the top is a carved decorative crest. The bezel is fitted with glass and opens to access the painted zinc dial.
This dial measures 12 inches in diameter. It is signed "Boston Clock Co" in block lettering. Large Roman-style hour figures make this dial easy to read. The minute ring is closed. The metal hands are nicely formed and are original to this clock.
The brass movement is weight driven and is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The front plate is die-stamped with the production number "188." This corresponds to the job ticket pasted inside the case. The bridge is also stamped with the same number. The lower section of the front plate is die-stamped with the Makers name. This is obstructed from view by the minute wheel and the pendulum's keystone.
This clock measures approximately 35.75 inches long overall and was made circa 1888. It is in wonderful condition.
Job sticker Mvt 188, Style 16, case 234.
Inventory number BBB-14
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.
