Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Mantel Calendar Clock
ca. 1875
Ithaca Calendar Clock Co. (1864-1914)
USA: New York, Ithaca
Walnut, ebony, glass, silver, brass
overall: 20"h x 8-1/4"w x 5-1/4"d
Gift of Mrs. Willis R. Michael
75.66.9a-b

Mantel Calendar Clock; a: clock: case: #3 parlor model; carved spandrels applied; dial: Lower: calendar, silver date numerals on glass; rotating cylinders show day of week on left and month on right; upper: time, painted metal; movement: eight day; brass striking movement perpertual calendar; regulator, gridiron type; made under H.B. Horton patents; b: pendulum; crystal pendulum; engraved "ICC Co."

In the mid-1860s, Henry B. Horton perfected the perpetual calendar clock—a timepiece that also kept track of the day, date, and month. Unlike earlier patents, his calendar clock accommodated leap years. Businesses, such as banks, displayed calendar clocks in public areas as a service to their customers.