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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Wall clock

New Haven Clock Co. Wall Clock

Partially verified

This large wooden wall clock is attributed to the New Haven Clock Co. of New Haven, Connecticut. The auction catalog reports an obverse inscription reading '1817 NEW HAVEN 1853' in a star form above 'NEW HAVEN CLOCK CO., NEW HAVEN CONN. USA'. The dark-toned case features an arched top pediment carved with a fan or shell motif, flanked by side pilasters terminating in small drop finials. Its light circular dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers and a single visible winding arbor aperture. According to the auctioneer, the case measures approximately 42 by 16 by 7 inches, is constructed of wood, glass, and metal, and comes accompanied by a key.

Front view of the New Haven Clock Co. wall clock
Front view of the New Haven Clock Co. wall clock — The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Wall clock
Maker / attribution
New Haven Clock Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
51
Source-reported date
Not established
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

Identity and Reported Inscriptions

The auction catalog attributes this wall clock to the New Haven Clock Co. and records an obverse marking reading "1817 NEW HAVEN 1853 in a star form, below reads NEW HAVEN CLOCK CO., NEW HAVEN CONN. USA." The lot title also designates the item as an "Antique XL Wall Clock, USA."

These specific text and date markings are not legibly discernible in the provided overview photograph, so their precise placement—whether on the dial, tablet, or movement—remains unverified from direct visual inspection alone.

Evidence for this section
  • “Obverse reads 1817 NEW HAVEN 1853 in a star form, below reads NEW HAVEN CLOCK CO., NEW HAVEN CONN. USA.”

Case Architecture and Dial Configuration

The clock is housed in an elongated dark wooden case that measures approximately 42 inches in length, 16 inches in width, and 7 inches in depth, according to catalog dimensions. The case features an arched pediment carved with a fan or shell motif, flanked by vertical columns that terminate in small pendant finials, with foliate scroll relief ornament on the upper section of the lower wooden housing.

The light-colored circular dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers and an outer railroad track minute ring. A single winding arbor aperture is visible beneath the center arbor, and the auction catalog notes that the clock comes with a key, described by the seller as "possibly an original clock key."

Evidence for this section
  • “Measures approx. 42L x 16W x 7D in.”
  • “Dark-toned wooden case with an arched pediment featuring a carved fan or shell design.”
  • “Single winding arbor hole visible on the dial face beneath the center hand arbor.”
  • “Comes with key, possibly an original clock key.”

Materials and Condition Observations

The catalog describes the piece as crafted from wood, glass, and metal, noting it as a "weighty piece." Multiple structural flaws are reported in the woodwork, stating that "some wooden pieces are loose, some losses to wooden pieces and missing wooden pieces."

Regarding mechanical status, the auctioneer records that "pieces are not tested for function" and that the "pendulum needs reattachment." Any further details regarding movement completeness, maker stamps on the plates, or operational integrity are not documented in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Crafted from wood, glass, and metal.”
  • “Weighty piece.”
  • “Some wooden pieces are loose, some losses to wooden pieces and missing wooden pieces.”
  • “Pieces are not tested for function. Pendulum needs reattachment.”

Open research questions

  • Where is the '1817 NEW HAVEN 1853' star inscription situated on the physical object (e.g., dial paper, tablet glass, or movement plate)?
  • What specific New Haven movement caliber or train setup is housed within the case?
  • Which exact wooden decorative elements or trim sections are missing or loose?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for New Haven Clock Co. Wall Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker Inscription1817 NEW HAVEN 1853 in a star form, below reads NEW HAVEN CLOCK CO., NEW HAVEN CONN. USA“Obverse reads 1817 NEW HAVEN 1853 in a star form, below reads NEW HAVEN CLOCK CO., NEW HAVEN CONN. USA.”
DimensionsApprox. 42L x 16W x 7D in.“Measures approx. 42L x 16W x 7D in.”
MaterialsWood, glass, and metal“Crafted from wood, glass, and metal.”
AccessoriesComes with key“Comes with key, possibly an original clock key.”
Weight AssessmentDescribed as a weighty piece“Weighty piece.”
Key AccompanimentAccompanied by a key, noted as possibly original“Comes with key, possibly an original clock key.”

Visible details

  • Light-colored circular dial with black Roman numerals and an outer railroad track minute ring.
  • Dark-toned wooden case with an arched pediment featuring a carved fan or shell design.
  • Flanking vertical columns terminating in small lower pendant finials.
  • Carved foliate scroll relief ornament on the upper portion of the lower wooden section.
  • Single winding arbor hole visible on the dial face beneath the center hand arbor.

Research qualifications

  • The movement and dial inscriptions reported by the auction house are not clearly legible in the supplied photograph.
  • The source notes that the pendulum needs reattachment, some wooden pieces are loose or missing, and the clock has not been tested for function.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: NEW HAVEN CLOCK CO. Antique XL Wall Clock, USA

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 0f5e78d850

Terms in this record

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

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