221.         $100

Union Clock Co. shelf clock, ca. 1890?  This 23-inch oak case has no label, but the movement is marked with a U logo on the lower right.  The wire gong base says “Union Clock Co.”, but the two Union Clock Co. listings in the Spittlers & Bailey Clockmakers & Watchmakers of America, Second edition, are not consistent with this clock.  Certain aspects suggest it is German, including the crest that sits in a slot on the top (note the missing tip on the left side of the crest), and the unusual pendulum that features an ironworker with an animated bellows(?) armature.  The case has what must be the original finish, with considerable patina; the door glass is modern.  The dial has old/original paint, the hands are period.  The 8-day, time-and-strike movement is running and striking on the hours and half-hours.  Although the ironworker’s arm can move up and down to raise and lower the bar above, it does not move with the swing of the pendulum, and there is no obvious connection to the movement; the animation aspect is puzzling, perhaps you can figure it out.  If you know anything about this clock please let me know so I can share it.  There are no similar clock listings on LiveAuctioneers or the Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide under the Union Clock Co.  $100-$200.

Dale Beske has done some super-sleuthing and found a couple of examples of a trademark logo for the Union Clock Co. in Germany that matches the logo stamped into this movement on the lower right.  He also suggests that the pendulum armature may be a balance arm that, if weighted properly, would move up and down with the swing of the pendulum.  If you are the lucky bidder you can explore that possibility!

Steve Berger emailed me pictures of a pendulum he has that works; those photos are at the bottom of the page.  The lever and worker's arm should move up and down with the pendulum swing; an adjustment to the wire link between the two may make a difference.  Thanks Steve!