Atkins Clock Company of Bristol, Connecticut. Wall clock. Regulator Number 2. 213028.

The Regulator No. 2. 

This is an impressive and very colorful 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 rosewood veneered case. The grain of rosewood features dark streaks that run through a rich brown background. It is lively and nicely developed. The large solid wooden bezel is painted black and fitted with a glass panel. This glass protects the painted zinc dial, 18 inches in diameter. The time ring is formatted with large Roman-style hour numerals. Because of the large size of the dial, the minute hand has to be counterbalanced. The lower door is fitted with its original hand-done gold leaf and paint-decorated tablet. This example is in excellent original condition. The title "REGULATOR" is boldly displayed. A clear opening in the design of the decoration is left open to view the motion of the lead pendulum bob, which is covered in brass. This example retains its original label pasted on the weight board. This label is in good condition and reads, "Atkins Clock Mfg Co., Bristol, Conn." The movement is brass construction having large brass rectangular plates and roller pinions. It is powered by two cast iron weights. These weights are original to this clock and are custom fitted to the weight channels. It is designed to run for 30 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 case measured approximately 42 inches in length, 22 inches wide, and 5 inches deep. This clock was made circa 1870.

Inventory number 212028.

Atkins Clock Company of Bristol and later Forestville, Connecticut.

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.

  • Atkins Clock Company of Bristol, Connecticut. Wall clock. Regulator Number 2. 213028. Delaney Antique Clocks.
  • Atkins Clock Company of Bristol, Connecticut. Wall clock movement. 213028.
  • Atkins Clock Company of Bristol, Connecticut. Label. 213028.