Collections

This fabulous collection of the earliest and most elegant Self Winding Clock Company regulators has been assembled by a very diligent and discerning collector. The majority of these American made self winding electric clocks were made by the Self Winding Clock Company but the collection includes clocks made by the New York Standard Watch Co., the American Clock Co., the Keyless Clock Co., the Imperial Clock Co. and others

The SWCC and the E. Howard Clock Co. had a close business relationship. The largest and most elegant cases were made by E. Howard for the SWCC.  SWCC’s finest movements, the Gerry gravity and style “B” movements, were also made for them by E. Howard. Click on picture to enlarge.

Self Winding Clock Company regulator #1. The most spectacular regulator made by the company. High quality time only self winding movement, made by E. Howard, with Gerry Gravity Escapement,14 sapphire jewels, mercurial compensated pendulum and15 inch silvered dial. Height 102 inches.
Self Winding Clock Company regulator #1. The most spectacular regulator made by the company. The case and the high quality time only self winding movement were made by E. Howard. The movement has a  Gerry Gravity Escapement and 14 sapphire jewels. Mercurial compensated pendulum and15 inch silvered dial. Height 102 inches.
Self Winding Clock Compant regulator #20. Style B self winding movement signed by E Howard. 15 inch dial, Mercurial pendulum. Height 84 inches.
Self Winding Clock Company regulator #20. Style B self winding movement signed by E Howard. 15 inch dial, Mercurial pendulum. Height 84 inches.
Self Winding Clock Company regulator #15. Extra fine movement, E. Howard type disc pendulum, 12 inch dial. Height 73 inches.
Self Winding Clock Company regulator #15. Extra fine movement, E. Howard type disc pendulum, 12 inch dial. Height 73 inches.
Self Winding Clock Company grandfather clocks. The clock on the left is equipped with a Style C rotary movement and two vibrator movements, one to chime on the quarter hour and the other to strike the hours. The clock on the right is equipped with a Style A rotary movement and has a synchronizer attachment to receive a correction signal. Both clocks have mercury compensated pendulums.
Self Winding Clock Company grandfather clocks. The clock on the left is equipped with a Style C rotary movement and two vibrator movements, one to chime on the quarter hour and the other to strike the hours. The clock on the right is equipped with a Style A rotary movement and has a synchronizer attachment to receive a correction signal. Both clocks have mercury compensated pendulums.
Self Winding Clock Company regulator #13 (left) with a Style B rotary movement, 12 inch dial. Height 73 inches. Telegraphic Time Company master clock (predicesor to Self Winding Clock Company). Equipped with a SWCC Style C rotary movement and master clock contacts to impulse (above) secondary clocks. Mercurial compensated pendulum, 12 inch dial marked "Electric Time". Height 60 inches.
Self Winding Clock Company regulator #13 (left) with a Style B rotary movement, 12 inch dial. Height 73 inches. Telegraphic Time Company master clock (predecessor to Self Winding Clock Company). Equipped with a SWCC Style C rotary movement and master clock contacts to impulse (above) secondary clocks. Mercurial compensated pendulum, 12 inch dial marked “Electric Time”. Height 60 inches.
Self Winding Clock Company regulator No.4 (left) and Self Winding Clock Company model #5. This is the same as an E Howard #75 case.
Self Winding Clock Company regulator No.4 (left) and Self Winding Clock Company model #5. This is the same as an E Howard #75 case.
Self Winding Clock Company models #25 (left), #14 (center) and #4 (right).
Self Winding Clock Company models #25 (left), #14 (center) and #4 (right).
New York Standard Watch Company regulator with glass dial, sweep seconds (left). Self Winding Clock Company #50 regulator, Style F vibrator movement with mercurial compensating pendulum.
New York Standard Watch Company regulator with glass dial, sweep seconds (left). Self Winding Clock Company #50 regulator, Style F vibrator movement with mercurial compensating pendulum.
Keyless Clock Company (left), American Clock Company (center), and New YorK Standard Watch Company (right) clocks. Each clock is self winding and powered by batteries.
Keyless Clock Company (left), American Clock Company (center), and New YorK Standard Watch Company (right) clocks. Each clock is self winding and powered by batteries.
From left, three New York Standard Watch Company clocks, an American Clock Company clock and a Self Winding Clock Company model #8. These clocks are all self winding and are powered by 2 D cell batteries.
From left, three New York Standard Watch Company clocks, an American Clock Company clock and a Self Winding Clock Company model #8. These clocks are all self winding and are powered by 2 D cell batteries.
Imperial Clock Company self winding, wall mounted, master clock. Mercurial compensated pendulum, 12 inch silvered dial. American Clock Company self winding clock at right.
Imperial Clock Company self winding, wall mounted, master clock. Mercurial compensated pendulum, 12 inch silvered dial. American Clock Company self winding clock at right.

 

This collector and restorer of electro-mechanical music machines is like many collectors.  He has numerous other collecting interests and those certainly include clocks. The clocks are large clocks (very large clocks) and small clocks, electric clocks and mechanical clocks. The collection is set in a spectacular building that is both a restoration shop and comfortable home. Click on picture to enlarge.

An exterior view of a fabulous house gives an idea of what may be inside.
An exterior view of a fabulous house gives an idea of what may be inside. The tree hides two other tower clock dials.
An inside view of the corner clock . E. Howard No. 2 Tower Clock and Dial circa 1902 in the fan collection room.
An inside view of the gravity escapement tower clock . E. Howard No. 2 Tower Clock and Dial circa 1902 in the fan collection room.
Durward standing next to the Seth Thomas No. 16A gravity escapement Tower Clock from 1909
Durward standing next to the Seth Thomas No. 16A gravity escapement Tower Clock from 1909
The elegant dining room ceiling is pierced by Seth Thomas tower clock's 9 foot pendulum.
The elegant dining room ceiling is pierced by the Seth Thomas tower clock’s 9 foot pendulum.
Weights on cables and pulleys descend down the stairwell to power the E. Howard and Seth Thomas tower clocks
Weights on cables and pulleys are positioned to descend down the stairwell to power the E. Howard and Seth Thomas tower clocks.
Landis electro-mechanical clock in the work shop
Landis electro-mechanical clock in the work shop. Other “electrics” are positioned through out the house and shop.
This fantastic electro-mechanical machine is a Style No. 5 Welte Concert Orchestrion from 1898.
This fantastic electro-mechanical machine is a Style No. 5 Welte Concert Orchestrion from 1898.
The Welte orchestrion is joined by numerous clocks, fans and other mechanical instruments in Orchestrion Hall.
The Welte orchestrion is joined by numerous clocks, fans, period lighting  and other mechanical instruments in Orchestrion Hall.

 

A visit to the Reliquary. This is a collection of fine antique clocks, specialty lighting, sculptures and period mechanical musical instruments.  Electro-mechanical clocks make up a large portion of the clock collection.    Click on picture to enlarge.

Electro-mechanical clocks line the walls and are illuminated with antique lighting.
Electro-mechanical clocks line the walls and are illuminated with antique lighting.
New York Standard Watch Company clocks.
New York Standard Watch Company clocks.
Master clocks from various manufacturers align the wall with more interesting clocks displayed on a long table.
Master clocks from various manufacturers align the wall with many more clocks displayed on a long table.
More interesting clocks.
More interesting clocks.
Electro-mechanical clocks and spring driven recorders.
Electro-mechanical clocks and spring driven recorders.
Many Self Winding Clock Company clocks and illuminated advertising clocks.
Many Self Winding Clock Company clocks and illuminated advertising clocks.
More master clocks with spectacular lighting in the foreground and mechanical musical pieces adjacent to the clocks.
More master clocks with spectacular lighting in the foreground and mechanical musical pieces adjacent to the clocks.
1923 Band Organ surrounded clocks.
1923 Band Organ surrounded by clocks.
More beautiful clocks.
More beautiful clocks.
Advertising clocks and antique signs.
Advertising clocks and antique signs.
This collection has been assembled and displayed by Richard (left) and enjoyed by many lucky guests.
This collection has been assembled and displayed by Richard (left) and enjoyed by many lucky guests.

 

The 2008 Ward Francillon Time Symposium on Electric Horology was held in Springfield, IL.  At the symposium was the finest display           of Sangamo clocks possibly ever assembled.  A lecture on the                   Sangamo Company and their clocks was presented by noted                                                  Sangamo expert Les McAlister.                                                 The following photos were taken at the display.             Comprehensive  Sangamo information is available at –     http://sangamoclocks.com/

Click on the photo to enlarge

Sangamo Early American Reproduction clocks and examples of the Sangamo Gorham bronze clocks, all with 11 - jewel escapements and electrically wound movements.
Sangamo Early American Reproduction clocks and examples of the Sangamo Gorham bronze clocks, all with 11 – jewel escapements and electrically wound movements.
An excellent assortment of the various full size electrically wound Sangamo Banjo Clocks.
An excellent assortment of the various full size electrically wound Sangamo Banjo Clocks.
Sangamo Act of Parliament clocks, both with electrically wound 11 jewel escapements.
Sangamo Act of Parliament clocks, both with electrically wound 11 jewel escapements.
Sangamo electrically wound bracket clocks with visible escapement windows.
Sangamo electrically wound bracket clocks with visible escapement windows.
Examples of Hamilton-Sangamo Synchronous mantle clocks.
Examples of Hamilton-Sangamo Synchronous mantle clocks.
Sangamo timers in front of a large picture of the Sangamo Complex that hung in the main hall at Sangamo in Springfield, Illinois.
Sangamo timers in front of a large picture of the Sangamo Complex that hung in the main hall at the Sangamo factory in Springfield, Illinois.
Examples of Sangamo electrically wound Jewelers Regulators, all with 11 jewel escapements and sub seconds dials.
Examples of Sangamo electrically wound Jewelers Regulators, all with 11 jewel escapements and sub seconds dials.
Sangamo Movement Display Cases made by Les McAlister to show the various Sangamo electrically wound movements in operation.
Sangamo Movement Display Cases made by Les McAlister to show the various Sangamo electrically wound movements in operation.
More Sangamo clocks.
More Sangamo clocks.
Sangamo expert Les McAlister (center holding clock) conducting a tour of the Sangamo exhibit.
Sangamo expert Les McAlister (center holding clock) conducting a tour of the Sangamo exhibit.

Below are pictures of the collection of a long time electro-mechanical clock collector. All of the clocks are wired and fully operational. Most of the slave clocks are not operating to reduce the noise.                  Click on picture to enlarge.

Master Clocks
Master Clocks- SET, Stromberg, Pacific Electric, E.Howard & SET

 

Master Clocks
Master Clocks- SET, IBM, E. Howard. IBM, Blodgett & IBM

 

Master Clocks- SWCC, Hahl Pneumatic, Stromberg, Synchronome & SET
Master Clocks- SWCC, Hahl Pneumatic, Stromberg, Synchronome & SET

 

More electrics
More electrics
SET master clock
SET master clock
More electrics
More electrics
More electrics
More electrics
Stairway electrics
Stairway electrics
Various slave clocks
Various slave clocks
Various slave clocks
Various slave clocks
Various slave clocks
Various slave clocks

 

A well appointed work shop
A well appointed work shop
Work shop view 2
Work shop view 2
The work never ends
The work never ends

 

Below are pictures of electro-mechanical clocks from the collection of a cabinet-maker. Notice the exquisite condition of the cases.      Click on picture to enlarge.

Self-winding clocks - various makers
Self-winding clocks – various makers
Self-winding clocks - various makers
Self-winding clocks – various makers
Self-winding clocks - various makers
Self-winding clocks – various makers
Self-winding clocks - various makers
Self-winding clocks – various makers
Self-winding clocks - various makers
Self-winding clocks – various makers
Self-winding clocks - various makers
Self-winding clocks – various makers

 

The following pictures are examples of how a collector combines his passion for both electro-mechanical clocks and automobiles. The connection goes even farther, to a collection of electro-mechanical self winding clocks from automobiles.

Cars & electro-mechanical clocks
Buick 1923 and Cadillac 1975 & electro-mechanical clocks
An electric Chevy Volt & electric clocks
An electric Chevy Volt & electric clocks
Self winding mantle clocks
Self winding mantle clocks
An explanation of the operation of the Eureka clock at a Chapter 133 meeting
An explanation of the operation of the Eureka clock at a Chapter 133 meeting
A display of member self winding clocks
A display of member self winding clocks
Automobile self winding electro-mechanical clocks
Automobile self winding electro-mechanical clocks
Automobile clocks with patent drawings and advertising
Automobile clocks with patent drawings and advertising
Chapter 133 and clock collecting gets air time
Chapter 133 and clock collecting gets TV air time

 

Pictures from another electrics collector. The only thing that slows him down is that he has run out of wall space.

European electrics
European electrics
Standard Electric and International grandfather clocks with SWCC clocks on the wall
Standard Electric and International grandfather clocks with SWCC clocks on the wall
Many mantle clocks
Many mantle clocks
More mantle clocks
More mantle clocks
Sangamo clocks
Sangamo clocks
Master clocks and more
Master clocks and more
Walls of clocks
Walls of clocks
More walls of clocks
More walls of clocks
A toast to the electro-mechanical clock maker
A toast to the electro-mechanical clock maker

 

An elegant collection of primarily electric clocks. This what many years of collecting can look like.

A wall of clocks. Most by various electric makers
A wall of clocks. Most by various electric makers
Many elegant electrics
Many elegant electrics
Beautiful electrics
More beautiful electrics
Steve next to some of his master clocks
Steve next to some of his master clocks
A Self winding clock company & an IBM master clock
A Self winding clock company & an IBM master clock
Standard Electric Time company master clock
Standard Electric Time company master clock
Bulle collection
Bulle collection
Master clocks line the wall to the basement
Master clocks & slave clocks line the wall to the basement
Slave clocks on the wall down to the basement
Slave clocks on the wall down to the basement
Clocks everywhere in mission control in the basement
Clocks everywhere in mission control in the basement

 

An electro-mechanical clock collector with a basement has the luxury of running unobtrusive wires from inside the walls, along the ceiling and then to a central terminal. All clocks operate but no wires show.

Telechron A, Self Winding Clock Co. grandfather, Standard Electric & Pacific Electric master clocks
Telechron A, Self Winding Clock Co. grandfather, Standard Electric & Pacific Electric master clocks
Panama Canal Master Clock & Master Control Panel circa 1921
Panama Canal Master Clock & Master Control Panel circa 1921 made by the Self Winding Clock Co.
Gents Pulsynetic Waiting Train Turret clock
Gents Pulsynetic Waiting Train Turret clock
SWCC Clocks & Jos. Mayer 4 dial slave clock
SWCC Clocks & Jos. Mayer 4 dial slave clock
SWCC Clocks with Rotary Movements
SWCC Clocks with Rotary Movements

 

SWCC Clocks
SWCC Clocks
Western Union type Self Winding Clock Company clocks
Western Union type Self Winding Clock Company clocks. The clocks are synchronized hourly with a signal from a Self Winding Clock Company master clock.
There is always a clock that needs attention
There is always a clock that needs attention
Shop Clocks
Shop Clocks
Clock wire terminal. Clocks are all wired with telephone wire to telephone punch blocks and then to the power source. The power source is sealed rechargeable batteries.
Clock wire terminal. Clocks are all wired with telephone wire to telephone punch blocks and then to the power source. The power sources are sealed rechargeable batteries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One thought on “Collections”

  1. How that is a collection! I did not see a self Winding clock with a calendar movement in your collection. I bought one at a small local auction house a few years ago. It is a number (18) with a Prentiss type calendar movement. It looks to be original although I have not been able to find any information about this clock.

    Reply

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