New Haven Mantel Clock

New Haven Mantel Clock

Model: "Wells"
Manufacturer: The New Haven Clock Company
Era: 1924- 1930

I bought this clock in a local auction. I've wanted a mantel clock for awhile now. For a 100 year old clock, it keeps absolutely perfect time. I did clean it up some. I also need a key, but luckily my grandfather clock double key worked to wind the mechanisms.

This model features a smooth, low-profile mahogany tambour (or "camelback") wooden case with a classic curved top. The chimes are really nice with a fancy setup that chimes every quarter hour and hour. It has an 8-day mechanical wind-up movement with Westminster chimes.

You will notice the 5 key wind slots in the face of the clock. These power the windings to run the clock movement as well as the chimes.

IN THE BEGINNING..
"The New Haven Clock Company was not officially incorporated until 1853. "
"The New Haven Clock Company was established on February 7, 1853, when clock-maker Hiram Camp and colleagues organized a new firm in New Haven, Connecticut." Originally established to supply the Jerome Manufacturing Company, then the largest clock manufacturer in the world.

THE CLOCK STARTS TICKING..
"Jerome filed for bankruptcy in 1856, New Haven Clock Company raised additional capital and purchased the Jerome business in April of that year, marking its transition from movement supplier to full clock manufacturer. By 1860, the company had 300 men and 15 women working there and was producing approximately 170,000 clocks annually."

THE ROOF, THE ROOF IS ON FIRE..
"A devastating fire destroyed the old Jerome factory in 1866, but a new brick factory was quickly constructed."

TIME IS MONEY..
"By 1880, New Haven had expanded to 460 men, 52 women, and 88 children on the payroll and manufactured clocks valued at about one million dollars that year, a remarkable output for the era. In that same year, non-jeweled pocket watches were added to the product line and continued to be offered through the 1950s."

TIME FOR CHANGE
"Financial difficulties emerged in the late 19th century. Founder Hiram Camp stepped down as president in 1891, and by 1894 the company teetered on bankruptcy before reorganizing."

TIME FOR THE FATHER OF FOOTBALL
"In 1902, Walter C. Camp (a cousin of the founder and later known as the “father of American football”) assumed control of the company. He modernized watch production and reduced costs in 1904, and wristwatches were introduced in 1915, keeping New Haven competitive during a period of growing demand for personal timepieces.

TIME OF DEPRESSION AND WAR..
Remember we are approaching The Great Depression and eventually World War II. The company made it through all that. But persistent financial strain after the war led to bankruptcy reorganization in 1956, and by March of 1960 the business discontinued operations entirely.

FOR KERA:
US Patent No. 1,478,759 issued on December 25, 1923, to Wilson E. Porter, placing the manufacturing era from 1924 through the early 1930s.