Antique American Clocks July 2022
25. $750
Atkins/Welch, Spring & Co. 8-day regulator, ca. 1870. This
clock has proven difficult to assign to a manufacturer; the 53-inch case, veneered in rosewood with minor repairs, was likely made
by the Atkins Clock Co., while the 8-day, time-only movement may have been made by Welch, Spring & Co. when these two companies
worked closely together. The movement is very similar to the Type D 30-day, upside-down movement shown on page 60 of Gregory
& King, The Clocks of Irenus Atkins, but as noted, runs only 8 days rather than 30. The 30-day movements also had a
seconds bit and heavier weights; the cylinder weights here are 3.5 lbs each, and the clock is running without problem. Both
glasses are old but have been out of the doors; the dial is dark and has been touched up well in several places, and still has a few
chips. The hands are old and likely original. I cannot find a sales record for a clock like this with an inverted
8-day movement. $750-$1200.
This clock was listed erroneously as a 30-day clock in the January auction; thanks to Bill
Iles for recognizing that it was likely an 8-day clock, as I have now confirmed.
