Welch, Spring & Co. "Patti V.P." Victorian Rosewood Shelf Clock, c. 1880s

Important Update Regarding Originality

We have received information from a knowledgeable party indicating that this clock may not be entirely original and may include reproduction or replaced components. We have not independently authenticated each individual component, and bidders should review the photographs carefully and bid according to their own judgment.

The clock remains offered as shown in the photographs, including the rosewood/rosewood-veneered case, glazed side panels, reverse-painted door glass, brass plate movement, pendulum, and winding key. However, due to the information received, we are no longer representing the clock as fully original.

Please note: This update has been added before the close of the auction so that all bidders have the same information before bidding. Existing and prospective bidders should take this clarification into account when deciding whether to bid or continue bidding.

If you would like your current bid removed or altered in light of this update, please contact us before the auction closes and we will do so.

A late 19th-century parlor shelf clock by Welch, Spring & Co. — the high-grade movement brand of E. N. Welch Manufacturing Co., Forestville, Connecticut — in the Patti V.P. model, one of a series of movements named after celebrated opera singers of the era. The rosewood and rosewood-veneered case presents the full architectural vocabulary of the period: a domed bonnet flanked by three turned-and-stepped finials, applied roundels at each corner and along the columns, and a pair of full turned columns framing the arched glazed door. The case rests on a stepped, ogee-molded plinth. The door retains its reverse-painted glass with gold and black geometric scrollwork and dot-work decoration on a black ground.

The enameled metal dial is set in a polished brass bezel with Roman numerals and trefoil hands, flanked by twin winding arbors for the time-and-strike movement. The brass plate movement is stamped 145 on the lower edge and drives a coiled wire gong mounted to the case floor. A copper-tone stamped pendulum with a windmill cabochon center and a matching brass winding key are included. The side panels are glazed, allowing the movement and pendulum to be viewed from either side. No maker's label is present in the case interior.

CONDITION

Good with age-appropriate cosmetic wear. Paint loss to the upper right corner of the reverse-painted door glass. Finials are removable and all present.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 19" H × 13.5" W × 6.5" D
• Maker: Welch, Spring & Co. (E. N. Welch Mfg. Co.), Forestville, Connecticut
• Model: Patti V.P.
• Case: Rosewood and rosewood-veneered
• Sides: Glass panels
• Dial: Enameled metal, Roman numerals, brass bezel, trefoil hands
• Movement: 8-day, time-and-strike, spring-driven brass plate; stamped 145; coiled wire gong
• Door: Reverse-painted glass, gold and black geometric scrollwork
• Included: Winding key and copper-tone pendulum with windmill center