Initial Glance at an E. N. Welch Oversized Cottage Clock
The E.N. Welch Cottage Extra clock, a significant antique parlor clock, is a testament to the rich history of American clockmaking. This box-like 8-day hour strike shelf clock, part of the "Cottage Extra" series, was made around 1875 by the E.N. Welch Clock Company, a prominent American clockmaker of the 19th century.
The E.N. Welch Manufacturing Company, founded by Ezra N. Welch in Forestville, Connecticut, was known for producing high-end clocks, including mantel clocks, shelf clocks, and cottage clocks. The "Cottage Extra" model, with its curved ogee style outer frame and Rosewood veneered case, represents a smaller, more decorative clock originally designed to fit on a shelf or mantelpiece.
The Cottage Extra clocks, particularly those made before 1890, hold historical and collectible value. They reflect the technological and design progress in clockmaking, with the transition from wooden to brass movements, and they contributed to the democratization of timekeeping in 19th-century America by making quality clocks more affordable.
This specific E.N. Welch Cottage Extra clock, which was bought at the clock mart during the NAWCC Convention in June 2019, is currently being serviced. It runs well but requires a good cleaning. The clock was serviced on January 16, 1983, by Eric Chandlee Wilson or one of his employees, costing $79.50.
It's worth noting that the E.N. Welch Clock Company was eventually absorbed by Sessions in 1903. While marine movements, like the one in the E.N. Welch marine style 30-hour wall clock, do not have a pendulum, they were in high demand by the 1850s due to increased boat and rail traffic. However, the Cottage Extra series, such as the one owned, was designed for a stable base, making it less suitable for movement on a ship or train.
In conclusion, the E.N. Welch Cottage Extra clock is a valuable piece of American horological history, cherished for its craftsmanship, mechanical innovation, and role in the democratization of timekeeping. For those interested in learning more about identifying features, serial numbers, or valuations of pre-1890 Welch Cottage Extra clocks, specialized antique clock resources or collectors' guides would provide the most thorough information.
