Boston Clock Company, the "DELPHUS." An American made Crystal regulator. Outstanding quality. 219061.
The "Delphus" is arguably one of the Boston Clock Company's prettiest models. The brass framed case measures approximately 10.5 inches tall, 7.5 inches wide across the base, and 5.75 inches deep. The brass has been polished and protected with a lacquer finish. The four rectangular openings are fitted with beveled glass. The front and back panels also serve as doors. The dial is porcelain. The hour positions are indicated with Arabic numerals. A floral ring is painted just inside the numerals.
The movement is of the finest quality. It is fitted with 11 jewels. The pinions are cut with precision from solid steel and are highly polished. The plates a nickeled and treated with a damascene finish. The Maker's name is die-stamped into the back plate. The case number is "252." This is a tandem wind movement. This means that to wind this clock; one inserts the key onto the single winding arbor in the front of the dial just above the hour numeral "6." When you turn the key to the right, you are winding the time train. Turn the same key to the left, and you are now winding the strike train. This clock strikes the hour and half hour on a wire gong. Please note that this clock does not have a pendulum. This movement is fitted with a temperature compensates balance wheel. As a result, it is equal in quality to many high-grade watch movements of the same period. This movement will start quickly when wound and can be handled or moved without stopping the clock. The ticking should not disturb the most sensitive of sleepers. Time regulation is from the front of the dial. Above the hour numeral twelve, there is an adjustment. Push the level to the right, and the clock will speed up. Push the level to the left, and the clock should slow down.
This very attractive clock was made circa 1885.
Inventory number 219061.
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.
