Clock · Cathedral mantel clock

New Haven Clock Company Cathedral Style Mantle Clock

Partially verified

This wooden cathedral-style mantel clock is catalogued by Great Expectations Auction Company under an attribution to the New Haven Clock Company. The case features a pointed Gothic pediment topped with turned finials and flanked by side columns. Its hinged front door features an upper aperture over a lower glass tablet reverse-painted in gold leaf with a waterfall landscape. The source reports that the dial face has been replaced; it presents Roman numerals and twin winding arbors. Inside, a coiled wire gong is visible against the dark backboard.

Front view of the cathedral mantel clock with door open, showing the dial, coiled gong, and reverse-painted glass tablet — Great Expectations Auction Company. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.invaluable.com
Category: Clock · Cathedral mantel clock
Maker / attribution: New Haven Clock Company
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 167
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

Case Architecture and Decorative Elements

The clock is built in a pointed cathedral or steeple style, framed in wood and flanked by upright side pilasters and turned finials. The front incorporates a hinged wooden door that swings open to reveal the dial and interior case cavity.

Set within the lower division of the door frame is an inset glass tablet. The auction cataloguer describes this feature as depicting a waterfall reverse painted on glass in gold leaf.

Evidence for this section

“Pointed cathedral or steeple-style wooden case flanked by turned finials and side pilasters”
“Hinged wooden door swung open revealing the dial and interior case”
“with a beautiful waterfall reverse painted on glass in gold leaf.”

Dial, Interior Mechanism, and Condition Reports

Visible through the open door is a light-coloured dial plate marked with black Roman numerals and two winding arbors. Mounted against the dark backboard within the lower interior case is a coiled wire gong strike. The auctioneer explicitly notes that the clock face has been replaced.

The cataloguer notes several structural defects, stating that "there is a half inch size piece missing on the top right side peak of the clock as well as multiple holes in the back panels of the clock."

Evidence for this section

“Light-coloured dial plate marked with black Roman numerals and two winding arbors”
“Dark interior backboard mounts a coiled wire gong strike”
“The clock face has been replaced.”
“there is a half inch size piece missing on the top right side peak of the clock as well as multiple holes in the back panels of the clock.”

Attribution and Functional Uncertainties

The lot is catalogued under an attribution to the New Haven Clock Company. However, maker stamps, labels, or movement inscriptions are not recorded in this source or visible in the photograph, leaving the identification resting on the cataloguer's description.

Mechanical operation is unverified. The auction house stated that all clocks in the collection "have not been tested for functionality and are being sold as appear to be complete with working components unless otherwise noted," adding that they are not clock experts and that items are offered as-is.

Evidence for this section

“Cathedral Style Mantle Clock from the New Haven Clock Company”
“have not been tested for functionality and are being sold as appear to be complete with working components unless otherwise noted.”
“we are not clock experts and you must rely on your own opinions on condition, quality, value, etc.”

Open research questions

Does the brass movement plate behind the replaced dial bear any stamped maker marks, trademark logos, or patent dates confirming production by the New Haven Clock Company?
Are there any remnants of a paper manufacturer or retailer label affixed to the interior sides or rear backboard?
What purpose or event caused the multiple holes reported in the back panels of the wooden case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for New Haven Clock Company Cathedral Style Mantle Clock
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker attribution	New Haven Clock Company	“Cathedral Style Mantle Clock from the New Haven Clock Company”
Decorative glass panel	Reverse painted waterfall in gold leaf on glass	“with a beautiful waterfall reverse painted on glass in gold leaf.”
Dial replacement	Replaced clock face	“The clock face has been replaced.”
Condition notes	Missing piece on top right peak and holes in back panels	“there is a half inch size piece missing on the top right side peak of the clock as well as multiple holes in the back panels of the clock.”

Visible details

Pointed cathedral or steeple-style wooden case flanked by turned finials and side pilasters
Hinged wooden door swung open revealing the dial and interior case
Lower door frame holds a reverse-painted glass panel rendered in gold leaf showing a waterfall landscape
Light-coloured dial plate marked with black Roman numerals and two winding arbors
Dark interior backboard mounts a coiled wire gong strike

Research qualifications

Maker attribution to New Haven Clock Company is source-reported without visible movement or case marks in the photograph
Auctioneer notes the clock face is a replacement
Source notes condition issues including a 0.5-inch piece missing from the top right peak and multiple holes in the back panels
Movement functionality is untested

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: New Haven Clock Company Mantle Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 38751fa543

Terms in this record

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