OLD MR. BOSTON, Fine Liquors. Advertising Clock. Gilbert Clock Company. 224022.

It is easy to imagine the location of this clock in one's home. It is a natural for one's bar or game room. 

Advertising-themed clocks continue to be popular. The Old Mr. Boston distillery, later Mr. Boston, was located at 1010 Massachusetts Ave in Boston, Massachusetts. It was opened in 1933 and produced bourbon, brandies, gin, and rum. It was best known for publishing the "Bible of Booze," Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide. This comprehensive guide has been the trusted companion of bartenders for almost a century. The business closed in 1986, only to have its name acquired in 1995 by Barton Brands in New York. In 2009, the Sazerac Company of New Orleans purchased the brand. 

These flask-shaped clocks were made so that they could give them to the retailers of their products. Bars would have been a very popular option. Advertising on clocks makes sense. It provides a space to maximize brand or product exposure by placing it on a device that people frequently look at to check the time—becoming a visual reminder of the brand, especially when the clock is prominently displayed in a high-traffic area like a liquor store or tavern.

This model was made in several different sizes. This is the larger size, measuring 21 inches tall. The case is made of tin and painted ivory white. The decorative details are pressed into the back surface, resulting in raised graphics on the front. These are highlighted in black paint. The contrast with the ivory-colored background is clear. The dial is protected with convex glass. The dial bezel opens to access the open diamond-shaped hands. The dial is a silver color. The minute ring and Arabic hour numerals are also painted black. Behind the dial is an 8-day, spring wound, time-only movement. It is wound with a key. 

Inventory number 224022.