Boston Clock Co., of Boston, Massachusetts. This very interesting wall clock is die-stamped No 214 on the movement. It was cataloged as Style 16. TT-189.
Many clock business offered a wall clock in their product line. The vast majority of these featured the round dial over a rectangular box because this form fit the function of the mechanism. This example is somewhat unusual in that the bezel has been embellished with carvings. It is much fancier that those offer by their competitors. This case is constructed in cherry and features a recent finish. The design of the case features a bracket molding below the area where the pendulum is to swing. This box is fitted a painted tablet. This features a black field, a gilt rectangle, a green field and a gilt circle. The choice of green is quite nice. 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 pendulum bob. This brass covered bob is wonderfully engrave with a somewhat complex pattern. The case transitions up to the head with a complex molding. The top of the case is actually a door that opens to access the dial. This bezel is wonderfully decorated with carvings that include fans, cove moldings and scrolls. The carved crest centers a turned wooden final adding to this decorative form. 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 hands are an open moon form and are original to this clock. The brass movement is weight driven and is designed to run for eight-days. The front plate is die-stamped with the production number "214." This corresponds to the job ticket pasted inside the case. The pendulum rod is wood and supports the bob is brass.
This clock measures approximately 35.75 inches long overall and was made circa 1888. It is in wonderful condition.
Inventory number TT-189.
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.
