Boston Clock Co., Boston, Massachusetts. No. 558. Wall clock. SS-153.
This is a very popular form having a circular wooden bezel and a long drop underneath it. Many other clock companies made similar clocks which also sold well. This case appears to be maple and has been recently refinished. This case has two nice design elements that are not always found on their competitor's clocks. The first is the two ears positioned below the bezel. The second is an extension located at the bottom of this case. It resembles a shelf. As a result, the case measures approximately 38.5 inches long. It is successful in changing the proportions of the case. With this detail, the clock looks very narrow on the wall. The bezel appears to be poplar and is grained. It is fitted with glass and opens to a painted dial. The dial is painted on tin and measures 12 inches in diameter. It is signed in this location "Boston Clock Co."
The movement is brass and is die-stamped by the Maker on the front plate. The number "558" is die-stamped in two locations. It can be found on the front plate and also on the bridge. The movement is weight driven and is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The weight is cast iron and original to this clock. The pendulum features a wooden rod and a brass-covered bob. The outstanding bob is wonderfully decorated with a bold engine-turned design. The motion of the pendulum bob can be viewed through the opening in the painted tablet mounted in the door. The primary color is blue, which has been restored. The gold and black are original. We have owned and seen other examples with color variations of red and green in this same location by this manufacturer.
This wall clock was made circa 1890.
Inventory number SS-153.
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.
