The International Tailoring Co. New Haven clock Company, New Haven, Connecticut. Advertising clock. 223302.
Clocks have a long history of serving double duty as timepieces and as advertising. Many were manufactured to be strategically positioned in public and private locations or any place with traffic. A local retailer might have a clock constructed to be placed in a local hotel lobby. Other advertising clocks promoted the products a store might have sold, such as newspapers, oils, paints, etc. Dry good retailers, hardware stores, and pharmacies would all have been good targets for the placement of such a clock.
This New Haven wall clock was built to advertise The International Tailoring Company. Due to its unusually large size, the oak case measured 50 inches long, 24.25 inches wide, and 7 inches deep; it is easy to imagine that it hung in a large hotel lobby. The hotel patrons, perhaps in the city on business, would be able to see the clock hanging on the wall. A percentage of these guests in need of the services advertised would then be in a position to ask the receptionist at the front desk the location of the nearest shop.
This advertising clock was made by the New Haven Clock Company in New Haven, Connecticut, circa 1900. We have only seen three International Tailoring Co. advertising clocks in over 55 years in the antique clock business. It advertises "THE / INTERNATIONAL / TAILORING CO / NEW YORK AND CHICAGO." This Company was known for creating spectacular, stylish men's clothing. It advertised four city locations: New York, London, Chicago, and Berlin. It is a remarkable piece of advertising and, in many ways, reflects the elegance and grandeur of the International Tailoring Company during that era. The overall condition of this large advertising clock is excellent.
The oak case is well made. The top is shaped and pressed with painted lettering advertising "THE / INTERNATIONAL / TAILORING CO / NEW YORK AND CHICAGO." The middle section features a large glass paneled door. The glass is reverse-painted from the back with gold lettering backed with black paint. It advertises, "WE TAKE / MEASURES / CORRECT / FIT AND / SATISFACTION / GUARANTEED." This surrounds a circular opening that frames the dial. It is interesting to note that the dial's placement is slightly above the center of the glass. The bottom of the case is fitted with a drop apron. This is decorated with two applied craved rosettes and a carved decorative element in the middle.
The original 12-inch paper dial also features interesting graphics. The segmented minute ring is decorated with arrowhead points at the five-minute locations. The points reverse direction at the quarter-hour positions. Roman-style numerals demark each hour. The next band contains the "TRADEMARK" slogan and the four city locations of New York, London, Chicago, and Berlin. These are separated by fleur-dis-lis. Inside this is a band that claims, "THE FINER THE'RE MADE / THE LARGER THE TRADE." A male lion is centered on the dial. Above the lion's back is written, "THE INTERNATIONAL / TAILORING CO." At the lion's feet, it is written, KING OF TAILORS." This dial is in remarkable condition. Original spade-shaped hands depict the time.
The brass-constructed movement is spring-driven. It is designed to run for eight days fully wound. The front plate is die-stamped with the manufacturer's star logo. The escapement is positioned on the outside of the front plate. The pendulum is constructed with a wooden rod that supports a brass-faced bob.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the International Tailoring Company significantly shaped how men's clothing was produced and marketed. The Company's name became synonymous with men's style of the golden age. By the 1920s, the Company was one of the world's largest custom-made men's clothing manufacturers.
The Mundie & Jensen-designed plant for the International Tailoring Company in Chicago was ahead of its time, setting new standards for working conditions in the garment industry. Unlike the stereotypical sweatshops of that era, the International Tailoring Company's factories were characterized by spacious and well-lit interiors. The emphasis on natural light, worker comfort, and safety reflected a departure from the prevailing norms of the time. This commitment to creating a modern and humane working environment not only contributed to the success of the International Tailoring Company but also served as a model for other clothing factories seeking to improve their conditions. The Company's approach mirrored broader societal shifts toward industrialization and a growing awareness of the importance of humane working conditions.
The cabinet dimensions are as follows: Height 50", Width 24 - 1/4", Depth 7".
Inventory number 223302.
The New Haven Clock Company of New Haven, Connecticut, made and sold clocks for over 100 years. The history of this business is largely tied to the case maker Chauncey Jerome and to the movement maker Hiram Camp. The New Haven Clock Company was organized in 1853. This first phase of the company’s business was to manufacture movements. These were sold to Chauncey Jerome. In 1856, the New Haven Clock Company took over the Jerome manufacturing operation and produced their first complete clocks. These clocks were og clocks.
