Waltham's Girandole Wall Timepiece. 226011.
The Waltham Watch Company of Waltham, Massachusetts, created this outstanding centennial reproduction Girandole Timepiece, a model inspired by the celebrated design of Lemuel Curtis in the 1820s. Curtis’s clocks are highly prized today and stand as the ultimate example of the American wall timepiece. This clock carries on that tradition, representing a pinnacle of American horological artistry.
Lemuel Curtis started as an apprentice to the Willards in Boston in 1802. By 1811, he had moved to Concord and opened his own clockmaking shop, focusing on timepieces. Over time, he made several improvements to Willard’s original design, such as a single screw movement mounting system at the back of the case and changes to the clock's suspension. Most collectors today agree that Curtis’s greatest achievement was creating this distinctive style. However, it was not a financial success, likely because of the high cost of making and finishing the case. As a result, only a small number were originally produced, and most are now in major museum collections. Over the years, both individuals and companies have reproduced this style, including The Waltham Watch Company, Elmer Stennes, Ted Burleigh, and Foster Campos. These makers also produced only limited numbers due to the expense of manufacturing such an elaborate case. Some reproductions are more successful than others. The example offered here is a faithful copy of the original. This design is regarded by many as among the most beautiful American clocks.
This clock was produced by the Waltham Watch Company in Massachusetts. Both the Waltham Clock and Waltham Watch Companies were known for manufacturing high-quality timepieces, Hall and Tall Case clocks, and regulators. The Girandole was their most decorative model. Fewer than thirty are thought to have been produced based on their die-stamped cases. Unfortunately, Waltham's case numbering system is not perfect. For example, we know two clocks with the number one are die-stamped into their cases. We also know of several clocks that have a variety of numbers included on one example. As a result, the total number of clocks is not known. The highest number we have recorded is a clock stamped with the number 24.
This clock measures approximately fifty-six inches in length. The case, crafted from mahogany and finished with shellac, has case lot numbers—manufacturer or inventory identification numbers—stamped in four locations: number 5 on the back of the lower door; number 14 on the back of the throat frame; and number 12, which appears twice on the right side of the case, hidden beneath the frame. The frames, bezel (the ring holding the glass in place), carved eagle finial (the decorative eagle at the top), and bracket (the support at the base) are all covered in gold leaf, which remains in excellent condition. The reverse-painted tablets (decorative glass with images painted on the rear side) are also in excellent original condition and are painted on curved glass. The throat panel features a traditional, detailed border encircling a red alcohol thermometer—a glass tube filled with red-dyed alcohol indicating temperature—and an engraved, silvered-brass scale, characteristic of every Waltham version of this clock. Below the thermometer window, a red banner displays the word “PATENT.” The bottom circular tablet depicts the mythological figure “AURORA” racing across the sky in her chariot, rendered with outstanding color and detail. The side arms are shaped from well-crafted brass (supporting or decorative side elements).
The dial, painted on metal and signed “WALTHAM,” features a closed minute ring, large Roman numerals, two gilt rings, and gold decoration near the center and winding holes. The hands are shaped in the traditional Lemuel Curtis style with concentric circles and barbed pointers.
The brass movement is stamped “Waltham Watch Co. U. S. A.” on the front plate and is not numbered. The clock is weight-driven and designed to run for eight days fully wound. The original lead weight is included.
This clock stands out as a testament to American craftsmanship and design, embodying the legacy and prestige of both the Waltham Watch Company and Lemuel Curtis.
Inventory number 226011.
The Waltham Clock and Waltham Watch Companies, in their various forms, have been synonymous with quality timepieces. The Company was first established in Waltham, Massachusetts, in January of 1897 as the Waltham Clock Company. Their products, known for their excellent quality, included hall, shelf, and then wall clocks. In 1913, they merged with the watchmaking giant Waltham Watch, but continued to produce clocks under the Waltham Clock name until 1923, when the name was changed to the Waltham Watch and Clock Company. In 1925, the name was changed again to the Waltham Watch Co. The production of pendulum clocks is reported to have ceased around 1930.
