William E. Hadlock of Boston, Massachusetts. Wall clock. 28027.
William E. Hadlock was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on September 29, 1845, and died in Wenham, MA, on February 28, 1915. Hadlock’s name first appeared in the Boston Directories in 1870 as a Watchmaker working for the firm of Currier & Trott. In 1874, he established his own business on State Street. This business was called William E. Hadlock & Co and operated with various partners until 1915. Hadlock was primarily known as a chronometer maker. However, it is evident that he also made high-grade wall clocks, such as this example.
This interesting form has been made in at least two separate versions. The size or diameter of the dial differentiates them. The standard or more commonly found version has a dial that measures 7.5 inches in diameter. This example offered here has a dial that measures 9.5 inches in diameter. A full 2 inches larger. This is the first example of this dial format I have seen in 20-plus years of trying to track them. We witnessed one other 35 years ago. We have seen at least a dozen clocks with the smaller dial format over the same period of time.
This rare model is nicely proportioned and incorporates many interesting design elements. It is three-dimensional constructed, having canted or chamfered corners, an oversized turned wooden bezel, and applied bracket decoration and crest. This case is made in mahogany and exhibits a modern finish that is warm and inviting. It is interesting to note that this case is die stamped with the numeral “41.” This die-stamp can also be found on the back of the upper crest, suggesting that these clocks were numbered. The highest number we have found to date is “259.” The bezel is fitted with glass and opens to access the painted dial. This dial measures 9 inches in diameter. It has had some very minor restoration. The center section of the dial is left open. This allows one to see the wonderfully made brass movement. The brass plates are heavily cast. Remnants of the damascene design are still present. The front plate of this movement is die-stamped “PAT.APPL’D.FOR.” This movement is powered by a large main spring designed to power the time train for eight days on a full wind. It is of excellent quality. This is a timepiece. As a result, this clock does not strike. The pendulum is mounted in front of the movement. The rod is made of wood and retains its original gilding. The bob is zinc and covered in brass for compensation. The tablet found in the lower door appears to be original to this clock. The design is quite fancy and is multicolored.
This clock was made circa 1875. It measures 40.5 inches long, 12.5 inches wide, and 6 inches deep.
Today, very few clocks by this Maker surface in the marketplace.
Inventory number 28027.
William E. Hadlock was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on September 29, 1845, and died in Wenham, MA, on February 28, 1915. His name first appeared in the Boston Directories in 1870 as a Watchmaker working for Currier & Trott. In 1874, he established his own business on State Street, known as William E. Hadlock & Co. This business operated with various partners until 1915 and was primarily known as chronometer makers. However, Hadlock's expertise extended beyond this, as he also crafted high-grade spring-powered wall clocks, many of which are numbered. To date, we have recorded numbers as low as 41 and as high as 259.
