Eastman Clock Company Boston, MA. No.1 Pendulum. Retailed by N. L. Lockwood in Boston. 213161.
This is a very popular form and well-suited for countless applications. However, several other clock companies made very similar clocks that sold well. Some of these companies include the Chelsea Clock Co., the Boston Clock Co., the Waltham Clock Co., and the Howard Clock Co. This Eastman-made version may be the most difficult example to find due to the relatively short period that they were in business.
This example is cased in oak and retains an older, if not an original, finish. The honey color is very attractive. Please note the design of the dial bezel. The shaping of the molding is complex as compared to some of the other competitor's examples.
The movement is brass and is die-stamped with the Maker's name on the front plate. This reads, EASTMAN / CLOCK CO, / BOSTON." It is also numbered on the front plate as well. The number is "228." The movement is weight driven and designed to run for eight days. The pendulum rod is wood, and the bob is brass. This bob retains much of its original engine-turned decoration. The motion of the pendulum can be viewed through the glass door.
The twelve-inch white enameled dial is painted on zinc. This dial bears the name " H. L. Lockwood." The Lockwood firm was first in business in 1888. They were primarily retailers and not manufacturers. They sold this clock under their own name. We have owned several clocks by other Boston manufacturers that were signed in this manner.
This popular clock form was used extensively in the public school systems of Boston, New York City, and Brooklyn and the offices of various railroad companies, fire departments, etc.
This fine example measures approximately 34 inches long overall and was made circa 1895.
Inventory number 213161.
In truth, very little is known of H. N. Lockwood. In fact, I could not come up with his first name. What is known is sourced form the Boston Directories, several news paper advertisements and a label found pasted inside a clock. H. N. Lockwood was born in Norway to American parents. He is said to have learned his trade in watchmaking and as a jeweler in Norway and came to Chicago in May 1863. He is recorded as moving first to New York and then subsequently to Boston. For a number of years, he was placed in full charge of the watch and French clock repairing department at the E. Howard Watch & Clock Company. As the E. Howard Co. began to relinquish the retail repair portion of their business, Lockwood set off on his own and in January of 1888. Lockwood established his own retail business at No. 27 Bromfield Street in Boston. He new business was endorsed by Howard in the trade. Lockwood's showroom is described as an attractive and elegant store. He hired a number of master workmen and carried a large stock in every line. Then by 1913, the business moved to 9 Bromfield Street. It is recorded that in 1922, Lockwood renovated his store which was now located at 61 Bromfield Street and at that time installed a diamond dept. It is reported that Lewis Huntington assisted by Fred Elliot were in charge of watch and general repairs. Lockwood ordered a number of clocks from area clock makers that included the E. Howard Watch & Clock Company, the Boston Clock Company and the Chelsea Clock Company. His business model was then to paint his name on the dials and sell them in his showroom. The Howard style No. 70 was a popular form him to sell.
