Boston Clock Co., Boston, Massachusetts. No 238. Retailed by H. N. Lockwood of Boston. Wall clock. VV-15.
This is a very popular form. Many other clock companies made similar clocks, which also sold very well. This example features mahogany case construction and a light finish. Note the drop ears below the turned bezel. This is a very nice variation in this case style, making it a very desirable form. The dial is protected by glass fitted into the clock’s bezel. This dial measures 12 inches in diameter and is painted on a zinc pan. It is signed by the Retailer in block lettering. It reads, “H. N. Lockwood / Boston.” The movement is brass and is die-stamped with the Makers trademark on the front plate. It is also numbered 238 in several locations. The movement is weight-driven and is designed to run for an eight-day duration. The pendulum rod is wood, and the bob is brass. The bob is wonderfully decorated with an engraved design. The motion can be viewed through the opening of the painted tablet in the lower door. Black, gold, and green are traditional Boston Clock Company colors. Additional color variations from this Company replace the green with a light blue, and also a weathered brick red can be appropriate.
This example measures approximately 34 inches long overall and was made circa 1888.
This model pictured is similar to the Howard model No. 70 or the Chelsea No. 1, although this case is longer. This example was made by the Boston Clock Company and retailed or sold to the public by H. N. Lockwood in their Boston store.
This clock is Inventory number VV-15.
The Boston Clock Company was organized by Joseph H. Eastman, James Gerry, and others on May 29, 1884. It was actually located in Chelsea, Mass. This company was formed as the successor to Joseph H. Eastman's Harvard Clock Company 1880-1884. Joseph H. Eastman became the manager of this new firm. This company failed in 1895, and in March of the same year, Joseph Eastman and others tried to revive it as the Eastman Clock Company. This new firm lasted only one year and eventually became the Chelsea Clock Co. in 1897.
The Boston Clock Company manufactured clocks predominately in the style of various crystal regulators, carriage clocks, and other mantel clocks in marble cases. These clocks often featured a compensating balance wheel spring-powered movement. A small number of weight-driven wall clocks were also produced. Most of which were similar in form to the Howard model No., 5 & No., 70 and the Chelsea No., 1.
Boston Clock Company clocks were sold through salesrooms that included Smith & Patterson in Boston, G. S. Lovell & Co in Philadelphia and Wm. H. Atwater in New York.
