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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Wall regulator clock

Western Union Oak Wall Regulator Clock

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this vintage electromechanical wall regulator clock was produced by the Self Winding Clock Co. of New York for Western Union. The clock features an oak case with a dark finish, an upper square glazed compartment, and a lower pendulum viewing door. The square white dial presents bold black Arabic numerals, spade hands, a subsidiary seconds register at the 12 o'clock position, and the inscription 'OFFICIAL TIME WESTERN UNION' with an orange lightning bolt emblem. Through the lower glass, a circular polished metal pendulum bob and regulation beat scale are visible alongside interior documentation.

Front view of the Western Union oak wall regulator clock
Front view of the Western Union oak wall regulator clock — Atlee Raber Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Clock · Wall regulator clock
Maker / attribution
Self Winding Clock Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0414
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 and External Construction

This regulator clock is housed in an oak wood case with a dark finish. It features a square upper section for the dial and a long lower compartment with a glass viewing door.

Visible through the lower glass is a large, circular polished metal pendulum bob and a horizontal metal regulation scale. The overall dimensions are recorded as 38x16x6.5 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “housed in an oak wood case with a dark finish”
  • “long lower compartment with a glass viewing door”
  • “38x16x6.5”
  • “large, circular polished metal pendulum bob and a horizontal metal regulation scale are visible through the lower glass”

Dial and Configuration

The square white dial displays black Arabic numerals and black metal spade-style hands. A dedicated seconds sub-dial is positioned at the 12 o'clock mark.

The dial is marked 'OFFICIAL TIME WESTERN UNION' below the hand arbor with an orange lightning bolt graphic, and inscribed with 'Self Winding Clock Co. New York' along the bottom edge.

Evidence for this section
  • “square white dial is marked Official Time Western Union centered below the hand arbor, accompanied by an orange lightning bolt graphic”
  • “inscribed Self Winding Clock Co. New York along the bottom edge”
  • “bold black Arabic numerals and a dedicated seconds sub-dial located at the 12 o'clock position”
  • “hands are black metal in a spade style”

Mechanical Specifications and Interior

The clock uses an electromechanical self-winding movement, historically designed for battery power and telegraphic synchronization.

The interior base of the case contains three original brass instructional plates detailing wiring codes for flexible cord connections, regulation directions for the 80-beat pendulum, and a notice regarding ownership and service.

Evidence for this section
  • “movement is an electromechanical self-winding type historically designed to operate on battery power and receive synchronization signals via telegraph”
  • “interior base of the case contains three original brass instructional plates: a wiring code for flexible cord connections, directions for regulating the 80 beat brass bob pendulum, and a notice regarding ownership and service”

Open research questions

  • Is the movement currently functional?
  • Is the 'dark finish' on the oak case original to the manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Western Union Oak Wall Regulator Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerSelf Winding Clock Co.“A vintage electromechanical wall regulator clock produced by the Self Winding Clock Co. of New York for Western Union.”
Dimensions38 x 16 x 6.5 inches“38x16x6.5”
Dial InscriptionOfficial Time Western Union“The square white dial is marked Official Time Western Union centered below the hand arbor, accompanied by an orange lightning bolt graphic”
Movement DescriptionElectromechanical self-winding“The movement is an electromechanical self-winding type historically designed to operate on battery power and receive synchronization signals via telegraph.”
Lot Number0414“Lot 0414”

Visible details

  • Oak case with curved top crest standing upright on a floor surface
  • Square white dial displaying prominent Arabic numerals, discolored surface patina, and seconds sub-dial at 12
  • Dial signed 'OFFICIAL TIME WESTERN UNION' with orange lightning bolt graphic and 'SELF WINDING CLOCK CO. NEW YORK' along the lower edge
  • Polished circular pendulum bob and horizontal beat scale visible in the lower glazed compartment
  • Paper paperwork or label inserted in the lower chamber behind the pendulum

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement mechanism is not directly visible in the catalog image.
  • The auction listing does not state whether the electromechanical movement is in running order.

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

Consulted source

Western Union Oak Wall Regulator Clock - Aug 3, 2026 | Atlee Raber Auctions In Oh

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 400527bfa1

Terms in this record

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

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