Ithaca Calendar Clock Co. Model Number 3.5 Parlor with white dial. “Side Swinger” with a white dial. 213068.

This excellent example is the “Late Model,” made circa 1880. It does have a couple of early features. The case is walnut and features applied carvings and moldings that have been ebonized. Some of these moldings are highlighted or trimmed with silver paint. (Earlier models are most often trimmed in gold paint.) The color contrast is quite nice.

The upper dial measures 5 inches in diameter. The paper dial is applied to a dial pan. It features a white field and black numerals. This may have been a special order. The standard dial for this clock is formatted with a black field, and the graphics are done in silver. This dial is original to this clock and is a special variant of the form. Several other examples are known to be constructed in this format. The trim ring or sash and both hands are finished in nickel. The lower dial is the calendar dial. It measures 8 inches in diameter. This dial is glass and is decorated in paint. Remnants of the original gold remain. The day of the month is located on the outside perimeter of this dial. The date would be indicated by the long, narrow, nickel-plated hand-mounted from the center. The day of the week and month are indicated by separate roles original to this clock.

This calendar mechanism is a perpetual design making adjustments for the variations in the lengths of each month and also for leap year. The glass pendulum is original to this example. It features the Maker’s monogram, “ICC C0.,” engraved into the back surface. This monogram also includes the early “Dog Bone “shaped I for Ithaca. The bob is constructed from two pieces of glass. The edges of each piece feature a different size bevel. When one views the clock from the front, the result is that the outer perimeter looks like it has been lit up. This pendulum has a means for adjustment located at the bottom of the rod and above the bob. It swings in front of the calendar dial slightly off-center.

The time and strike movement is designed to run for eight days and is well constructed. It strikes the hour on a nickel-plated bell, which is mounted inside the case. A count-wheel controls the striking sequence. The movement is spring-powered and was made by the E. N. Welch Clock Company. It features a deadbeat escapement. The works are mounted to a seat-board. One can gain access to the movement from the back of the case. This model initially featured a two-piece backboard that was hinged. (Earlier models feature a one-piece backboard.) Both boards have been replaced. The original setup label accompanies this example. It is well preserved and can be found pasted to the inside of the case.

This fine clock measures approximately 20.5 inches tall and 10.5 inches wide and was made circa 1880.

Inventory number 214058.

For a more in-depth discussion about the Ithaca Clock Company, please read Joel Warren’s fantastic new book, Ithaca’s Clock Makers.