A sneak peek at E. N. Welch's expansive cottage clock, the initial unveiling.
Discovered: A Rare E.N. Welch Cottage Extra Marine Clock
During the NAWCC Convention in June 2019, a unique find was unveiled – a 13 1⁄4 inches high, 10 inches wide at the base, and 4 inches deep E.N. Welch Cottage Extra clock, believed to have been made around 1875.
Originally produced by the E.N. Welch Clock Company, this American manufacturer was known for its high-quality clocks, particularly during the Victorian era. The company's clocks, such as the Cottage Extra, were popular among middle-class families, as they offered a combination of affordability and elegance.
This specific model, however, has an interesting twist – it is a marine clock, a rarity among E.N. Welch's parlor clocks. Marine clocks, such as the Cottage Extra, do not possess a pendulum, making them suitable for ships and trains due to their stability. By the 1850s, marine movements were in high demand due to increased boat and rail traffic.
The Cottage Extra clock boasts an 8-day hour strike with a 24-hour count wheel and an alarm adjustment wheel. Each watch was on duty for four hours, ensuring precise timekeeping. The seller of the clock was unaware of its history, but records show that the E.N Welch Clock Company was absorbed by the Sessions Clock Company in 1902, and later by Sessions in 1903.
The clock was serviced on January 16, 1983, by Eric Chandlee Wilson or one of his employees, costing $79.50. Despite the company's shift towards cheaper production in the mid-1890s, the Cottage Extra clock remains relatively scarce compared to other parlor clocks.
This fascinating find offers a glimpse into the history of clockmaking and the evolution of E.N. Welch Clock Company. For those interested in learning more about the specifics of this model, such as exact case design variations or mechanical specifications, antique clock collector references or specialized horology guides would provide model-specific technical data and provenance.
- This vintage Cottage Extra Marine Clock, discovered at the NAWCC Convention in 2019, serves as a unique addition to any home-and-garden lifestyle, showcasing the fashion-and-beauty of vintage timepieces.
- The food-and-drink enthusiasts traveling to antique markets might stumble upon similar finds, enjoying the thrill of uncovering historical artifacts that reflect the evolution of various industries, such as this rare E.N. Welch Cottage Extra Marine Clock.
- Fans of sports and history can appreciate the Cottage Extra Marine Clock as it was designed with stability in mind for use on ships and trains, making it a remarkable testament to the technology employed during the Victorian era in America's diverse lifestyle pursuits.
