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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Shelf clock

E.N. Welch Manufacturing Co. 'Titiens' Rosewood Shelf Clock

Partially verified

According to the auction catalogue, this American shelf clock represents the 'Titiens' model associated with E.N. Welch Manufacturing Co. of Bristol, Connecticut, dating to circa 1878. The clock is housed in an architectural rosewood case measuring 23 1/2 inches in height, featuring an arched pediment, flanking turned finials, and stepped side columns. Behind an arched glazed door sits a white porcelain dial ring with Roman numerals and two winding holes. An open escapement center reveals internal wheelwork and carries cursive lettering inscribed 'Welch, Spring & Co. / Forestville, Conn.'. The source notes a 30-day time and strike movement, driving a circular brass pendulum bob.

E.N. Welch Manufacturing Co. 'Titiens' rosewood shelf clock, circa 1878
E.N. Welch Manufacturing Co. 'Titiens' rosewood shelf clock, circa 1878 — Cottone Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Clock · Shelf clock
Maker / attribution
E.N. Welch Manufacturing Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0306
Source-reported date
Circa 1878
Country
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 Architecture and Construction

The clock features an architectural rosewood case catalogued at a height of 23 1/2 inches. Visually, the upper structure comprises an arched top pediment flanked by two turned urn finials, bordered by stepped mouldings and side baluster columns with finial drop accents.

A glazed front door encloses the dial and the lower pendulum chamber. Through the lower glass panel, a brass disc pendulum bob is visible suspended on a brass-colored rod.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rosewood case, porcelain dial.”
  • “Ht. 23 1/2 in.”
  • “Rosewood architectural case with arched top pediment flanked by two turned urn finials.”
  • “Brass disc pendulum bob suspended on a brass-colored rod.”

Dial and Inscribed Markings

The timepiece is fitted with a white porcelain ring dial featuring black Roman numerals and two winding arbors. The open dial center exposes internal escapement gearing directly beneath the center arbor.

Across the center of the movement area, cursive script reads 'Welch, Spring & Co. / Forestville, Conn.'. This visible dial marking contrasts with the auction title, which attributes the piece to 'E.N. Welch Manufacturing Co.' of Bristol, Connecticut.

Evidence for this section
  • “White porcelain ring dial featuring black Roman numerals and two winding arbors.”
  • “Open dial center revealing escapement gearing and script reading 'Welch, Spring & Co. / Forestville, Conn.'.”
  • “E.N. Welch Manufacturing Co. Titiens Rosewood Shelf Clock”
  • “Bristol, Connecticut.”

Movement Description and Provenance

The auction catalogue describes the movement as a '30-day time and strike movement' and dates the clock to circa 1878. Because the internal movement plates and mechanical train are not documented in the listing text, the running duration and striking configuration remain source-reported.

The clock is listed as having originated from the Collection of Dr. Stephen Wallace of Cheshire, Connecticut. Any internal labels or casework stamps confirming the catalogued model name 'Titiens' are not documented in the source entry.

Evidence for this section
  • “30-day time and strike movement.”
  • “Circa 1878.”
  • “Collection of Dr. Stephen Wallace, Cheshire, CT.”
  • “E.N. Welch Manufacturing Co. Titiens Rosewood Shelf Clock”

Open research questions

  • Are there manufacturer paper labels or stamps on the case backboard confirming the 'Titiens' model identification?
  • Do stamps on the brass movement plates clarify whether the movement was manufactured directly by Welch, Spring & Co. or marketed under E.N. Welch Manufacturing Co.?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for E.N. Welch Manufacturing Co. 'Titiens' Rosewood Shelf Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerE.N. Welch Manufacturing Co.“E.N. Welch Manufacturing Co. Titiens Rosewood Shelf Clock”
OriginBristol, Connecticut“Bristol, Connecticut.”
DateCirca 1878“Circa 1878.”
Case MaterialRosewood“Rosewood case, porcelain dial.”
Movement30-day time and strike“30-day time and strike movement.”
Height23 1/2 in.“Ht. 23 1/2 in.”
ProvenanceCollection of Dr. Stephen Wallace, Cheshire, CT“Collection of Dr. Stephen Wallace, Cheshire, CT.”
Lot Number0306“Lot 0306”

Visible details

  • Rosewood architectural case with arched top pediment flanked by two turned urn finials.
  • Stepped side mouldings with turned baluster columns and finial drop accents.
  • Glazed front door revealing an upper dial and lower pendulum chamber.
  • White porcelain ring dial featuring black Roman numerals and two winding arbors.
  • Open dial center revealing escapement gearing and script reading 'Welch, Spring & Co. / Forestville, Conn.'.
  • Brass disc pendulum bob suspended on a brass-colored rod.

Research qualifications

  • While the auction title attributes the clock to E.N. Welch Manufacturing Co., the dial inscription reads 'Welch, Spring & Co. / Forestville, Conn.'.
  • Movement specifications (30-day time and strike) are source-reported and not directly verifiable from the exterior image.

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

Consulted source

E.n. Welch Manufacturing Co. Titiens Rosewood Shelf Clock - Sep 30, 2023 | Cottone Auctions In Ny

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 985f69f9d1

Terms in this record

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

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