Chicago Time Register Company, 1212 Fisher Building, Chicago. The Chicago Automatic Time Recorder clock. 200001.

This clock was introduced in about 1898 by the Chicago Time Register Company. This is a seldom-seen model. Very few have come to the marketplace. That may be because the Chicago Time Register Company was acquired by ITR in 1901. This model may not have survived after the acquisition.

This very interesting clock was designed for use as a time clock and register in a work environment of some kind, principally in factories and large establishments where it is necessary to record the time of employees. The mechanism was patented and granted on May 3, 1898. Its purpose was to keep a record of the arrival and departure of employees. There is an obvious advantage for both the employer and the employees. The ability to see that the device used is recording the time accurately is a bonus. Once installed, an employee using this version was assigned a numbered key. They could record when they started or ended a work session by placing their key in the small opening at the bottom of the case. Turning the key would activate the time recording mechanism and print the time and the key number on the paper. The paper is routed so that the recording is visible through the small window located in the door. At the end of each week, an accountant would inspect this registrar and tally the hours worked. One would be paid accordingly.

This very unusual model is in good overall condition. Other than having replaced glass in the door, the rest of the clock is in very good original condition. The case is constructed in solid oak and retains a beautiful period finish that is dry and mostly undisturbed. This model is decorated with various carvings, including dentil molding under the cornice, beading along the door glass, floral patterns on the dial mask, the door framing, and the corbels at the bottom of the case. The decorative detail of carvings is not traditionally found on time clock cases and, as a result, makes this a special model. An opening is made in the center of the lower section of the case. This is where the employee inserts the assigned numerical key. The employee's number and the time the operating key is inserted into the slot would then be printed on paper in plain figures. It would then be displayed from behind the door glass for the employee to review. In the off chance that the time was recorded incorrectly, the employee would be able to alert the management right away.

The metal dial is in wonderful original condition. It is nicely decorated and displays the time. A Roman-style font is used to indicate the hours on the inside of the closed minute ring. The Seth Thomas "ST" logo is displayed below the Roman hour numeral XII. This dial is also printed with the wording "MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" along the lower edge. The graphics are excellent.

The time-only movement is robustly constructed in brass and is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The movement also powers the lower time tracking mechanism through a steel shaft or PTO. The shaft can be seen through the glass door and is positioned in front of the brass-covered pendulum bob. The bob is supported by a wooden rod. The motion of this pendulum provides an excellent visual for those who like mechanical items. The recording mechanism is located at the bottom of the case.

A plaque inside the case reads, "PAT. MAY 3. 1898 / SEPTEMBER 19. 1899." The patent number is "633126." It was issued to J. W. Deubner and was filed on October 8, 1897.

This clock was made circa 1922. This case measures approximately 45.5 inches long, 17.5 inches wide, and 14 inches deep.

I want to thank David Johnson, the owner of the website www.AntiqueTimeClocks.com, for helping me identify this m0del.

Inventory number 200001.