D. J. Gale's Astronomical Wall Calendar Clock. Balance wheel escapement. Spring powered movement. UU-46.

The Gale Astronomical Calendar gallery clock was offered in two dial sizes. The smaller example featured a dial diameter of 12 inches. The larger model measured 24 inches across. In addition, Gale also offered two case variations. The rosewood veneered case option had less shaping to the moldings than the solid wood cases constructed in oak, black walnut, and or mahogany. 

This is the larger rosewood veneered example. The case measures approximately 30.5 inches in diameter and is 5 inches deep. The rosewood veneer is in outstanding condition. The surface has been wonderfully finished so that the natural grain patterns are vibrant. The wooden bezel is fitted with glass in order to protect the dial. The bezel is hinged on the right.

 All of the cases were fitted with coil spring-powered movements. One had the choice of a pendulum escapement or a balance wheel format. 

This dial is painted on zinc and is in very good original condition. This example features the 1871 patent. The information is formatted into five individual displays. The upper dial displays the time with a minute and an hour hand. The lower dial indicates the month of the year. There is also a table that calculates the time of sunrise and sunset during that month. The small hand between DEC/JAN indicates the number of years since the last leap year. The dial on the right will indicate the phases of the moon or the day of the lunar calendar month. The dial on the left indicates the day of the week. The last dial is found around the outside edge or the perimeter of the dial. This displays the calendar date of the current month. All of this is incorporated in a perpetual design which will account for the variation in the number of days in each month and the leap year. It is interesting to note that the back of this dial is also painted to match the front. 

Two coil springs wound through the dial power this clock mechanism. It is constructed in brass and is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. This movement does not strike. This example is designed with a balance wheel escapement. It does not have a pendulum. 

This large dial-formatted wall clock was made circa 1875.

Daniel Jackson Gale was born in Waitsfield, Vermont, on December 24, 1830. In 1870 he began a relationship with the Welch and Spring Company. They agreed to use his calendar attachment in their clocks. He continued to improve his design and added complications. He died on June 17, 1901, in Bristol at the age of 71.

Inventory number UU-46.