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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Electric desk clock

A Swiss Electric Clock, Spaulding

Partially verified

Catalogued as a Swiss electric clock associated with Spaulding, this timepiece stands approximately 10 inches high. The gilt portico-form case features a rectangular top plate, stepped base, and four supportive columns in a dark, mottled tortoise-like finish with classical gilt capitals and bases. Suspended centrally, the circular movement drum holds a two-tone dial with a brushed gilt chapter ring, black Roman numerals, and an inset dark circular center. The dial is fitted with pierced hands, while the upper flat plate displays an engraved corporate presentation inscription.

Front view of the portico-style electric clock with engraved presentation plate and Roman numeral dial
Front view of the portico-style electric clock with engraved presentation plate and Roman numeral dial — Hindman. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Clock · Electric desk clock
Maker / attribution
Spaulding
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
289
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Identity and Documentation

The auction lot description records the piece as "A Swiss Electric Clock, Spaulding" with a catalogued dimension of "Height 10 inches." It was offered by Hindman as Lot 289 in an "Interiors" sale.

The precise relationship between the Swiss attribution and the name Spaulding is not detailed in the brief catalogue description, leaving it unrecorded whether Spaulding indicates a manufacturer, retailer, or distributor.

Evidence for this section
  • “A Swiss Electric Clock, Spaulding”
  • “Height 10 inches.”
  • “Lot 289”
  • “Interiors”

Case Form and Presentation Engraving

Visual observation shows a portico-style case supported by four mottled brown columns featuring fluted gilt capitals and matching bases.

The upper surface of the top gilt plate bears an engraved presentation text: "HENRY K. GARDNER CHAIRMAN BOULEVARD BANK CORP. INC."

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt portico-style case supported by four mottled brown columns with fluted gilt capitals and bases”
  • “Engraved presentation text on the top plate reading 'HENRY K. GARDNER CHAIRMAN BOULEVARD BANK CORP. INC.'”

Dial Display and Movement Visibility

The dial displays a brushed gilt chapter ring marked with black Roman numerals around an inner dark circular dial face, with the time indicated by ornate pierced hands.

While catalogued as an electric clock, internal mechanical components, electrical specifications, and rear casing details are not depicted or documented in the source record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brushed gilt chapter ring marked with black Roman numerals and an inner dark circular dial face”
  • “Ornate pierced hands indicating hours and minutes”
  • “A Swiss Electric Clock”

Open research questions

  • Does the rear of the case or movement drum bear maker or distributor stamps clarifying whether Spaulding refers to an American retailer (such as Spaulding & Co., Chicago) or a Swiss manufacturer?
  • What specific type of electric or battery movement is housed within the circular drum?
  • Do historical records for Boulevard Bank Corp. Inc. indicate the dates of Henry K. Gardner's tenure as chairman?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A Swiss Electric Clock, Spaulding
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Lot Number289“Lot 289”
Height10 inches“Height 10 inches.”
OriginSwiss“A Swiss Electric Clock”
AuctioneerHindman“Hindman”
Auction Sale TitleInteriors“Interiors”
Auction Estimate$80 - $120“Estimate: $80 - $120”

Visible details

  • Gilt portico-style case supported by four mottled brown columns with fluted gilt capitals and bases
  • Brushed gilt chapter ring marked with black Roman numerals and an inner dark circular dial face
  • Ornate pierced hands indicating hours and minutes
  • Engraved presentation text on the top plate reading 'HENRY K. GARDNER CHAIRMAN BOULEVARD BANK CORP. INC.'

Research qualifications

  • Internal electrical movement and rear casing are not depicted
  • Manufacturer, retailer, or distributor details for Spaulding are not further elaborated in the catalog text

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

A Swiss Electric Clock, Spaulding<br>Height 10 in sold at auction on 14th August | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 49f85099a5

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.