Self Winding Clock Company oak wall clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1st quarter-20th century
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.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Wall clock
- Origin
- New York, 1st quarter-20th century
- Dimensions
- 31" h. x 20.5" w. x 7.5" d.
- Door plaque
- Inscribed 'Naval Observatory Time, Western Union'
- Condition note
- Missing pendulum
- Place recorded
- United States
- Dial and movement
- Painted sheet metal face with brass movement
- Maker / attribution
- Self Winding Clock Company
- Case material and decoration
- Oak with pressed decoration
Design
- Visible features
- • 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.
- 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".
- 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.
- 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.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Internal movement is not shown opened or from the rear.
- Research required: Catalog notes the pendulum is missing.