Welch, Spring & Co., Forestville, Connecticut. The “Patti No. 2” Miniature Time & Strike Mantel clock. 225121.
Welch, Spring & Co. of Forestville, Connecticut, offered the Patti No. 2 model in their 1880 catalog. This model is a miniature version of the popular Patti VP No. 1.
The case is constructed in rosewood and retains its original finish. It rests on a shaped base molding. Four fancy-turned columns frame the middle section of the case. These support the molded arch. Expertly turned finials are mounted on top of the case. The case features glass panels on three sides. The side panels allow light to enter the case’s interior. The backboard is covered in its original flock paper. The door is fitted with glass and protects the dial. This glass is decorated with a painted border. This decoration is in fine, original condition.
The three-inch diameter paper dial features a closed minute ring and Roman-style numerals. The bezel, interior trim ring, and winding grommets are brass. Open-moon-style hands display the time.
The movement plates are brass finished in nickel. They support the steel arbors with solid pinions, brass gearing, club-toothed escapement, and two power springs. This clock features a time and strike design, requiring two coil springs to power the mechanism. The strike train incorporates a countwheel. The iconic pendulum hangs from the back of the movement. The brass bob is impressed with the W, S, & Co. (Welch, Spring & Company) logo. The pendulum swings in front of the front plate. The bell is mounted inside the case on the backboard.
This clock case is 10.5 inches tall, measured from the top of the center finial. The base molding is 7.25 inches wide and 4 inches deep.
This clock was made circa 1886.
Inventory number 225121.
Welch, Spring & Co. was formed in 1868 to produce a higher-quality clock than its parent label, E. N. Welch. The clocks produced incorporated high-quality wood in the construction of their cases and a higher level of detail work. As a result, Welch & Spring Clocks were often more expensively priced.
Elisha Niles Welch was born on February 7, 1809. He had many ventures in clock-related businesses over his lifetime. He was the first President of the Bristol Brass and Clock Co. in 1850. He absorbed many clock businesses over a relatively short period. In 1864, he formed them into the E. N. Welch Mfg. Some of those acquisitions included the Manross clock business in Forestville, J.C. Brown, John Birge, Frederick Otis, and Irenus Atkins. Welch was also a world traveler and a lover of the arts and music. He often invited guests to his house and provided them with entertainment. Several clock models were named after his talented entertainment. One popular model, the “Patti V. P,” was named after the prodigy vocalist, Adelina Patti. Adelina was a soprano prima donna. She is described as a beautiful, wealthy, liberated, and nonconformist woman. She was very popular with men.
Solomon Crosby Spring, SC, was born on January 29, 1826, in Grandby, Connecticut, and died in 1906. He was the son of Thomas Spring and Candace Holcomb. SC began his career in the business of designing, manufacturing, and managing clock-related activities. He worked for S. B. Terry in Terryville and later moved to Bristol. By 1858, he was in business for himself under the name S. C. Spring. This company was the successor to the Birge, Peck, & Company. Solomon retired from clock-making in 1895.
