Antique American Clocks January 2021
303. $50
Samuel Estelle “Programme Regulator”, ca. 1874. Estelle invented and patented a mechanism by which
clocks with a strike chain could be programmed to strike once as often as every 5 minutes. These clocks were most often used
in schools, although the extent of their use is not known. They were produced in Chicago and used primarily Jerome/New Haven
clocks that Estelle’s company, Hadley Brothers & Estelle, modified with their mechanism; the device looked like a large fan. This clock lacks the Programme mechanism L. The 20-inch case is walnut with an old finish, the dial original, dirty and with
chipping, but with the Estelle nameplate. The dial glass is original, the lower glass replaced and should have a stencil advertising
the Hadley Bros. & Estelle. The 8-day movement is unsigned, as was typical, and the strike side is clamped and does not
strike. The clock will run. There is a nearly complete but dark label inside. Unless you have a spare programme
mechanism lying around this clock is mostly useful for parts for another Estelle clock. $50-$100.
