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Masonic Knights Templar Shelf Clock
ca. 1867
John Haley Bellamy (1836 – 1914); E. N. Welch Mfg. Co.
USA: Massachusetts, Charlestown
Walnut, brass, pine
overall: 16 1/2 x 15 x 3 in.; 41.91 x 38.1 x 7.62 cm
Museum Purchase
98.067a-b

Masonic Knights Templar Shelf Clock. A: clock: carved walnut front, spring-driven 30-hour stamped-brass movement; inside the case is a printed paper label inscribed "Thirty Hour / Brass Clocks / springs warranted not to fail / manufactured and sold by the / E.N. Welch Mfg. Co. / Forestville, Conn, USA."; carved front is decorated with a Masonic square and compasses, the incised motto "In Hoc Signo Vinces" on a scroll, a Passion cross (rayed), a Patriarchal cross, crossed swords, a cross and crown, and a Templar (Maltese) cross; in center is a circular white-painted tin dial with blued steel hands; beneath which is a mirrored circular opening; reverse shows outline of a glued printed label (missing). B: pendulum: four leaved floral design on both sides.


In September 1867, the patent office issued woodcarver and inventor John H. Bellamy (1836-1914) of Charlestown, Massachusetts, a patent for the “new and improved” design of this Knights Templar pattern clock case. Workers produced Bellamy’s clock case fronts in Boston-area shops. Increasing numbers of men joined Masonic and fraternal groups in the late 1800s. Patenting multiple designs featuring symbols representing Masonic and fraternal organizations, Bellamy sought to make these members his customers by appealing to their particular interests.