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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Wall clock

Self Winding Clock Company oak wall clock

Partially verified

This early twentieth-century American wall clock was produced by the Self Winding Clock Company of New York. Housed in an oak case embellished with pressed decorative carving, it features a painted sheet metal dial displaying bold Roman numerals and a central aperture with an inner subsidiary seconds track. A plaque positioned on the lower section of the glazed door reads 'Naval Observatory Time, Western Union'. The clock contains a brass movement, though the auction house notes that the pendulum is absent.

Front view of Self Winding Clock Company oak wall clock with Western Union plaque
Front view of Self Winding Clock Company oak wall clock with Western Union plaque — Garth's Auctioneers & Appraisers. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Wall clock
Maker / attribution
Self Winding Clock Company
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
104
Source-reported date
1st quarter-20th century
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 Construction and Exterior Form

The wall clock is housed in an oak case recorded with dimensions of 31 inches high, 20.5 inches wide, and 7.5 inches deep. The auction description notes pressed decoration, while visible examination shows scrolling foliate motifs framing the circular dial aperture as well as decorating the upper cornice and bottom apron.

A door encloses the front of the case, bearing a plaque on its lower section. A key is also observed inserted directly into the left side of the wooden case.

Evidence for this section
  • “31"h. 20.5"w. 7.5"d.”
  • “oak. Pressed decoration”
  • “Carved or pressed scrolling foliate motifs frame the circular dial opening and decorate the top cornice and bottom apron.”
  • “A key is inserted into the left side of the wooden case.”

Dial and Door Plaque

The face is cataloged as painted sheet metal. In visual observation, the dial displays Roman numerals surrounding a circular central cutout that reveals internal mechanical components, alongside an inner subsidiary scale marked up to 60.

Affixed to the lower door is an inscribed plaque reading "Naval Observatory Time, Western Union".

Evidence for this section
  • “painted sheet metal face, brass movement, and plaque on door reading "Naval Observatory Time, Western Union".”
  • “Dial features a circular central cutout revealing inner mechanical components and a circular subdial scale marked up to 60.”

Movement Attribution and Missing Components

The clock is attributed in the catalog title to the Self Winding Clock Company of New York and dated to the first quarter of the 20th century. The movement inside is identified by the catalog as brass.

Regarding completeness, the catalog's condition report explicitly states that the clock does not have a pendulum. Internal movement views and electrical wiring components are not documented or pictured in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “SELF WINDING CLOCK COMPANY WALL CLOCK. New York, 1st quarter-20th century”
  • “brass movement”
  • “Does NOT have pendulum.”

Open research questions

  • What specific movement style or motor assembly (such as Style F or rotary winding mechanism) is fitted inside the oak case?
  • Does the movement retain its original synchronization coils or Western Union electrical terminal connections?
  • Are any manufacturer serial numbers, patent stamps, or inspection labels present on the dial plate, movement plates, or interior backboard?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Self Winding Clock Company oak wall clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
OriginNew York, 1st quarter-20th century“New York, 1st quarter-20th century, oak.”
Case material and decorationOak with pressed decoration“oak. Pressed decoration”
Dial and movementPainted sheet metal face with brass movement“painted sheet metal face, brass movement”
Door plaqueInscribed 'Naval Observatory Time, Western Union'“plaque on door reading "Naval Observatory Time, Western Union".”
Dimensions31" h. x 20.5" w. x 7.5" d.“31"h. 20.5"w. 7.5"d.”
Condition noteMissing pendulum“Does NOT have pendulum.”
Auction estimate$200 USD - $400 USD“Est: $200 USD - $400 USD”
Auction lot numberLot 104“Lot 104 : SELF WINDING CLOCK COMPANY WALL CLOCK.”

Visible details

  • Carved or pressed scrolling foliate motifs frame the circular dial opening and decorate the top cornice and bottom apron.
  • A key is inserted into the left side of the wooden case.
  • Dial features a circular central cutout revealing inner mechanical components and a circular subdial scale marked up to 60.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement is not shown opened or from the rear.
  • Catalog notes the pendulum is missing.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: SELF WINDING CLOCK COMPANY WALL CLOCK.

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e1fc3af2b3

Terms in this record

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

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