Atkins Clock Company of Bristol, Connecticut. A "Very Rare Circa 1876 Round Top 8-day Regulator." 216024.
This is an interesting and seldom-seen wall clock. It is considered by many Atkins collectors to be a very desirable model and difficult to find.
This large wall clock features a black walnut veneered case. The sides feature a grain pattern that is lively and nicely developed. This model is decorated with several applied moldings. Fancifully shaped pillars are applied to the front corners of the case. This molding turns into a half-round and continues around the top of the case. Additional half-round moldings are applied in the area under the dial. These have been referred to as "Fish Tail" moldings by Atkins collectors. The solid wooden bezel is fitted with glass. This glass protects the painted zinc dial, which measures 10 inches in diameter. The time ring is formatted with large Roman-style hour numerals. The lower door is also fitted with clear glass. Through this, one can see that the backboard is covered in its original flock paper. This provides an excellent background color for the golden pendulum rod and brass-faced bob. The motion of this is easy to view. The two brass-covered drive weights descend down the sides of the case. The Clockmaker's original pasted label is pasted at the bottom of the case inside the door. This label is in good condition and reads, "Atkins Clock Company, Bristol, Conn." The movement is brass construction having large brass rectangular plates and roller pinions. It is powered by two weights. It is designed to run for 8-days days on a full wind. Both weights power the same time train by powering the same wheel. This movement is of good quality.
This clock measure approximately 39.5 inches in length, 16 inches wide, and 5 inches deep. This clock was made circa 1870.
This firm was established in 1859 to succeed the Atkins Clock Manufacturing Company, which went bankrupt in June of 1858. In 1859, 12 employees made approximately 4000 clocks.
Merritt W. Atkins was born in 1804 and died in 1873 at the age of 69. He worked in both Bristol and later Forestville, Connecticut. He was a manufacturer of brass movement clocks and was involved in several firms. Most notable would be the firm of Atkins and Porter. His firm M. W. Atkins spanned the years 1840-1857.
For additional information regarding the Atkins firms, please see The Clocks of Irenus Atkins, written by Phil Gregory & Robert King.
Inventory number 216024.
This firm was established in 1859 to succeed the Atkins Clock Manufacturing Company, which went bankrupt in June of 1858. In 1859, 12 employees made approximately 4000 clocks.
Merritt W. Atkins was born in 1804 and died in 1873 at the age of 69. He worked in Bristol and later Forestville, Connecticut. He was a manufacturer of brass movement clocks and was involved in several firms. Most notable was the firm of Atkins and Porter. His firm, M. W. Atkins, spanned the years 1840-1857.
For additional information regarding the Atkins firms, please see Phil Gregory and Robert King's The Clocks of Irenus Atkins.
