D. J. Gale's Astronomical Calendar. Wall clock. Welch, Spring & Co. Forestville, Conn. 215004.

This is a Gale Astronomical Calendar gallery clock. It was offered in two dial sizes. The smaller example featured a dial diameter of 12 inches. The larger model measured 24 inches across. In addition, Gale also offered two case variations. The rosewood veneered case option had less shaping to the moldings than the solid wood cases constructed in oak, black walnut, and or mahogany. 

This is the larger rosewood veneered example. The case measures approximately 30.5 inches in diameter and is 5 inches deep. The rosewood veneer is in outstanding condition. The surface has been wonderfully finished so that the natural grain patterns are vibrant. The wooden bezel is fitted with glass in order to protect the dial. 

This dial is painted on zinc and is in outstanding original condition. This model features the 1871 patent. The dial is formatted into five separate displays. The upper dial displays the time with a minute and an hour hand. The lower dial indicates the month of the year. There is also a table that calculates the time of sunrise and sunset during that month. The dial on the right will indicate the phases of the moon or the day of the lunar calendar month. The dial on the left indicates the day of the week. The last dial is located around the outside edge or the perimeter of the dial. This displays the calendar date of the current month. All of this is incorporated in a perpetual design which will account for variation in the number of days in each month and leap year. A spring-driven movement powers all of this. Two springs wound through the dial, power the clock to run eight days on a full wind. This movement does not strike. The pendulum has a wood rod and a brass-covered bob. 

The Maker's label or directions for operation is in the case, pasted to the backboard. This is formatted with gold lettering on a dark blue background. This label is in excellent original condition. 

This very impressive clock was made circa 1875.

Daniel Jackson Gale was born in Waitsfield, Vermont, on December 24, 1830. In 1870 he began a relationship with the Welch and Spring Company. They agreed to use his calendar attachment in their clocks. He continued to improve his design and added complications. He died on June 17, 1901, in Bristol at the age of 71.

Inventory number 215004.