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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Boston Clock Company Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This carriage clock is attributed to the Boston Clock Company and dated to 1940. The piece features an Egyptian Revival design, characterized by a rectangular metal case with vertical fluted elements and decorative corner motifs. The construction incorporates transparent sides and back, facilitating visibility of the internal mechanism without requiring disassembly of the case. A moveable carrying handle is affixed to the top of the frame. The dial displays black Roman numerals against a light ground, featuring simple hour and minute hands. The signature "Boston Clock Co." is inscribed directly on the face. Included with the object is its original winding key. Measuring approximately 5 1/2 by 3 1/4 by 2 1/4 inches, the clock represents the form of manufacturing associated with the company’s carriage clock production. The current attribution and temporal assessment are provided by the auction documentation, which indicates further research is required to confirm specific lineage.

Front view of the Boston Clock Company carriage clock showing the dial and Egyptian Revival case details.
Front view of the Boston Clock Company carriage clock showing the dial and Egyptian Revival case details. — Sarasota Estate Auction / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Boston Clock Company
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
203466561
Source-reported date
1940
Source-reported place
United States

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

Case Design and Aesthetics

The object is presented as a carriage clock following an Egyptian Revival aesthetic. The frame is rectangular and features detailed vertical fluting on the side columns, which transition into formal decorative motifs at the corners. This design choice provides a structural frame for the timepiece while maintaining a slim profile.

A functional aspect of the case is the inclusion of glass panels on the sides and back, allowing the movement to remain visible during operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rectangular Egyptian Revival style design with exposed sides and back so that the mechanism can be seen without opening the piece.”
  • “Moveable handle on top.”

Dial and Timekeeping Display

The dial is finished with a white surface, upon which Roman numerals are printed in a black typeface to indicate the hours. The display is uncluttered, featuring only the necessary indications of the hour and minute.

The maker’s name, "Boston Clock Co.", is printed directly onto the dial surface. The hands are simple, dark-toned, and proportioned to the scale of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Roman numerals on the face with a minute and hour hand only, and the words "Boston Clock Co." written within.”

Documentation and Attribution

The object is associated with the Boston Clock Company, a manufacturer historically based in Massachusetts. The source notes that while the company had its origins in the 19th century, the provided date for this specific example is 1940.

The auction description acknowledges that the attribution and classification are subject to further verification. The provided dimensions and visual details represent the specific specimen documented by the auction archive.

Evidence for this section
  • “Boston Clock Company carriage clock, Massachusetts, 1940”
  • “Attribution and measurements describe the photographed example; independent type authentication remains research required.”

Open research questions

  • Does the 1940 date align with the known operational timeline of the Boston Clock Company or its successors?
  • Are there specific serial numbers or internal maker marks that confirm this piece was produced by the Boston Clock Company?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Boston Clock Company Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBoston Clock Company“Boston Clock Company”
Design StyleEgyptian Revival“Rectangular Egyptian Revival style design”
Dimensions5 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 2 1/4 in“5 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 2 1/4 in”
Dial InscriptionBoston Clock Co.“words "Boston Clock Co." written within”
ConstructionExposed mechanism with glazed sides and back“exposed sides and back so that the mechanism can be seen without opening the piece”
Included AccessoriesWinding key“Comes with winding key.”
Lot ID203466561“203466561”

Visible details

  • Rectangular brass-toned metal case with Egyptian Revival ornamentation
  • Visible internal movement due to glazed side and back panels
  • White dial with black Roman numeral hour markers
  • Moveable metal handle mounted on top of the case

Research qualifications

  • The 1940 dating remains unverified by independent horological research
  • Maker attribution and manufacturing origins require confirmation against specialist references

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

Consulted source

Clock, Boston Clock Company carriage clock, Massachusetts, 1940

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record a6397ec4f3

Terms in this record

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

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