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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Desk compendium

Silver Desk Compendium

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this Swiss-made silver desk compendium dates to circa 1915 and was retailed by Spaulding & Co. in Chicago. Constructed in a parallelogram form, the polished three-body silver case integrates a keyless 8-day clock, a barometer with a curved bezel, and a top-mounted compass under a hinged triangular handle. The catalog notes that the reverse features two hinged doors: one fitted with dual Centigrade and Fahrenheit thermometers, and the other housing a manual triple-date calendar. The champagne clock dial features radial Roman numerals and blued steel spade hands, driven by a frosted gilt movement with a straight-line lever escapement.

Oblique view of the silver desk compendium alongside its fitted black case
Oblique view of the silver desk compendium alongside its fitted black case — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Desk compendium
Maker / attribution
Spaulding & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
3
Source-reported date
circa 1915
Country
Switzerland

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

Construction and Form

The object is a Swiss-made desk compendium housed in a three-body, parallelogram-shaped polished silver case. The design incorporates curved bezels housing the clock and barometer dials, topped by a compass beneath a hinged triangular handle.

The rear of the case is fitted with two hinged doors; according to the source, these access secondary functions, though these are not visible in the available documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, parallelogram-shaped, polished, curved bezels for the clock and barometer dials”
  • “two hinged doors at the back”
  • “compass set in the top, hinged triangular handle.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The clock dial is champagne-colored with painted radial Roman numerals and outer minute divisions, featuring blued steel spade hands. The source describes the movement as frosted gilt, incorporating a large ratcheted barrel, a straight-line lever escapement, a bimetallic compensation balance, and a flat balance spring with an index regulator.

The movement is noted to be wound by a folding winder.

Evidence for this section
  • “Champagne with painted radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions. Blued steel spade hands.”
  • “Frosted gilt, large ratcheted barrel on the backplate in the manner of Jacot-Bovy for the mainspring with folding winder”
  • “straight-line lever escapement, bimetallic compensation balance, flat balance spring, index regulator.”

Source-Reported Features

The compendium acts as a multi-functional desk set. The auction catalog records the presence of manual triple-date calendar functionality and dual thermometers graduated for Centigrade and Fahrenheit, both located on the reverse hinged doors.

The source provides an approximate manufacturing date of circa 1915, with Spaulding & Co. of Chicago noted as the retailer.

Evidence for this section
  • “one set with two thermometers with engraved scales for Centigrade and Farenheit, the other with manual triple-date calendar”
  • “Made circa 1915.”
  • “retailed by Spaulding & Co., (Chicago)”

Open research questions

  • Is there evidence of manufacturer hallmarks on the silver case to confirm the origin beyond the general 'Swiss' attribution?
  • Does the 'in the manner of Jacot-Bovy' attribution imply specific horological provenance?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Silver Desk Compendium
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
RetailerSpaulding & Co., (Chicago)“retailed by Spaulding & Co., (Chicago)”
Circa Datecirca 1915“Made circa 1915.”
CaseThree-body, parallelogram-shaped, polished silver“Three-body, parallelogram-shaped, polished, curved bezels for the clock and barometer dials”
Dimensions11.4 x 6.6 x 6.8 cm“Dim. 11.4 x 6.6 x 6.8 cm.”
Clock DialChampagne with painted radial Roman numerals“Champagne with painted radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions. Blued steel spade hands.”
Condition NoteOverhaul recommended“Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Visible details

  • Parallelogram-shaped silver case showing visible tarnishing and surface oxidation along edges.
  • A round clock face with Roman numerals is set on one side, and an aneroid barometer dial is set on the adjacent side.
  • A compass is mounted on the top surface beneath a folded triangular handle.
  • Accompanied by a black fitted presentation or travel box showing wear at the clasp.

Research qualifications

  • The rear doors fitted with the thermometers and triple-date calendar are not visible in this photograph.
  • Internal movement features and manufacturer marks rely on auction catalog description.

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

Consulted source

Silver Desk Compenium Swiss, retailed by Spaulding & Co., (Chicago). Made circa 1915. Fine and rare, silver, parallelogram-shaped desk compendium with keyless 8-day going clock, barometer, triple date calendar, thermometers for Centigrade and Farenheit and compass. To be sold without reserve | Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces | Geneva, 27th March 2011

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 96347b7ae9

Terms in this record

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