Welch, Spring & Co. Italian No.1 Calendar shelf clock. Time only.
This model is called the Italian. It is an attractive shelf clock that measures approximately 18.5 inches tall, 11.75 inches wide at the base and 5.25 inches deep. The case is veneered in rosewood and retains it’s original finish. One can see in the photograph that their are a few small areas of loss of veneer on the lower base molding. These can be easily repaired if one wishes this work to be performed. The case is nicely designed and features applied columns and molding that accentuate the from. The lower door is fitted with a calendar. The perpetual calendar is a B.B. Lewis design. It displays the month and the day of the month. The upper door also features a turned wooden bezel that is fitted with glass. The paper time dial measures approximately 6 inches across and features a Roman numeral time ring. The brass movement is brass and is designed run for eight days on a full wind. It is a time only design. The front plate of the movement is die stamped by the Maker. The Clockmaker’s label can be found inside the case pasted onto the backboard. It is in excellent condition and lists the location of manufacture as Forestville, Connecticut. This clock was made circa 1870.
The Welch, Spring & Company was formed in March of 1868. This company was formed with the goal of producing a better quality clock than its parent label, E. N. Welch. The clocks offered by this spin off incorporated better woods in the construction of the cases and a higher level of detail work. As a result, Welch & Spring Clocks were more expensively priced. This business was absorbed by the parent company in 1884
Elisha Niles Welch was born on February 7, 1809 in Chatham, Conn and died August 2, 1887 in Forestville. During his lifetime he explored numerous ventures in clock related businesses over his life time. He began his clock career in a foundry that his father owned casting clock weights. In 1841-45 he became a partner in J. C. Brown's Forestville Mfg Co. He was the first President of the Bristol Brass & Clock Co. in 1850. He absorbed many clock businesses over a relatively short period of time including the Manross clock business in Forestville in 1854 and in 1855 J.C. Brown's company. Next where the businesses of John Birge, Frederick Otis, and Irenus Atkins. In 1864, he formed them into the E. N. Welch Mfg. Company.
Welch was also a world traveler and a lover of the arts and music. He often invited guest to his house and provided them with entertainment. Several clock models were named after his talented entertainment. One popular model, the Patti V. P. was named after the prodigy vocalist, Adelina Patti. Aldelina was a soprano prima donna. She is described as a beautiful woman who was wealthy, liberated and a nonconformist. She was very popular with men.
Solomon Crosby Spring was born on January 29 1826 in Grandby, Connecticut and died in 1906. He was the son of Thomas Spring and Candace Holcomb. SC began his career in the business of designing, manufacturing and managing clock related activities. He worked for S. B. Terry in Terryville and later moved to Bristol. By 1858 he was in business for himself as S. C. Spring. This company was the successor to the Birge, Peck, & Company. Solomon retired form clock making in 1895.