Waltham Clock Company of Waltham, Massachusetts. A wall timepiece with cross-banded frames. The reverse-painted tablets were signed by D. J. Steele. 214124.
This is a fine Federal Massachusetts improved timepiece or “Banjo clock” made by the Waltham Clock Company of Waltham, Massachusetts, circa 1920. This clock is listed in their catalog as the model No. 1546. It originally sold for $85.90 in the first quarter of the twentieth century.
This is a superb example. The case is constructed in mahogany and features cross-banded flat mahogany frames. A presentation bracket is mounted to the bottom of the case. The boldly cast eagle finial is original to this clock. The sidearms and bezel are brass and have been polished. The bezel is fitted with a convex piece of glass and opens to access the painted iron dial. This dial is also slightly convex in form. It features Roman hour numerals and the Retailer’s name, “Tilden-Thurber.”
The brass movement is weight-driven and is designed to run for eight days once fully wound. The quality of the mechanism is outstanding. It features thick brass plates, a recoil escapement, maintaining or retaining power, and a Geneva stop winding mechanism. The front plate is die-stamped with the Maker’s name in the upper right corner. It is also numbered “6492” on the upper left. A wooden rod supports the brass-faced pendulum bob.
The frames are fitted with high-quality reverse-painted tablets. These are hand-painted in good colors and depict traditional themes for this wall form. The throat tablet features a typical stylized design. The lower tablet depicts a scene from the War of 1812. It is the Naval engagement between the USS Constitution and the Guerriere. This was the first naval battle fought during that war. An American shield is painted in the center of this tablet. Through the sections that have been left clear, one can view the motion of the brass-faced pendulum bob. Accomplished artist D. J. Steele painted these tablets. The lower tablet is signed. The quality exhibited here is outstanding.
This clock is approximately 46 inches long overall.
Inventory number 214124.
The Waltham Clock and Waltham Watch Companies, in their various forms, have been synonymous with quality timepieces. The Company was first established in Waltham, Massachusetts, in January of 1897 as the Waltham Clock Company. Their products, known for their excellent quality, included hall, shelf, and then wall clocks. In 1913, they merged with the watchmaking giant Waltham Watch, but continued to produce clocks under the Waltham Clock name until 1923, when the name was changed to the Waltham Watch and Clock Company. In 1925, the name was changed again to the Waltham Watch Co. The production of pendulum clocks is reported to have ceased around 1930.
