Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Wall Clock
ca. 1900
New Haven Clock Co.
USA: Connecticut, New Haven
Oak, brass, metal, glass, gilt
23-1/2"h x 16"w x 4-1/2"d
Gift of Mrs. Barbara Arnold in Memory of Bobby Joe Arnold
90.27a-c

Wall Clock; a: clock: key hole shaped case, octagonal oak dial frame; dial marked "THE NEW HAVEN CLOCK CO./ NEW HAVEN CONN."; 8-day brass, key wind movement; glass pendulum door with gilt inscription reads "Regulator"; b: winding key; c: pendulum.

As early as the 1700s, craftsmen produced particularly accurate clocks called regulators, which were specially designed for clockmakers and scientists to use when they needed to know the precise time. In the late 1800s, clock manufacturers named some of their moderately priced, undecorated, factory-produced, spring-powered models “Regulator” to suggest they were especially accurate. These affordable “Regulators” were found in schools, offices, and public buildings everywhere.