Complete List of Antique American Clock Companies in USA

Antique American clocks are a significant part of history and represent the craftsmanship, innovation, and artistry of an era long past. These watches are prized by collectors, historians, and enthusiasts alike for their historical significance and intricate craftsmanship. This article takes a closer look at some of the most prominent antique American clock companies, their histories, contributions, and masterpieces.

Old American Clock Makers

Below is the detail about top well know companies in grandfather era

Seth Thomas Clock

Established in 1813 in Thomaston, Connecticut, the Seth Thomas Clocks Company has stood as a cornerstone of American clock making for nearly two centuries. Founded by Seth Thomas, a visionary craftsman, the company’s evolution was marked by a pivotal shift from wooden to brass mechanisms, ushering in a new era for the industry.

Seth Thomas Mantle Clock

The most well known item made by Seth Thomas Mantle Clock company was their Seth Thomas mantle clock. It was smaller alarm type clock having very reasonable structure.

Notable Contributions:

• Specialized in the production of mantel clocks, wall clocks, and regulators, earning a prestigious reputation for quality and craftsmanship.
• Pioneered mass production techniques, making high-quality clocks accessible to a broader audience.
• Developed the iconic Seth Thomas Tower Clocks, which were prominently featured in public buildings and churches, becoming an enduring symbol of the brand’s legacy.

Ansonia Clock

In 1851, a new chapter in American clock making unfolded in Ansonia, Connecticut, with the establishment of the Ansonia Clocks Company. This esteemed manufacturer would go on to leave an indelible mark on the industry, renowned for its exquisite and intricately designed clocks that continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Notable Features:

• Showcased remarkable craftsmanship through a diverse range of figurine clocks, each one a testament to the company’s artistic vision and innovative spirit.
• Pioneered the use of open escapement mechanisms in decorative clocks, a groundbreaking achievement that elevated the art of clock making.
• Characterized by elaborate castings, luxurious gilt finishes, and exquisite porcelain accents, Ansonia clock models embody the perfect blend of form and function, making them highly sought after by collectors.

E. Howard & Co. Clock

Founded in 1842 by Edward Howard and Aaron Lufkin Dennison, E. Howard & Co. is celebrated for its precision and innovation. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, this company specialized in high-quality clocks and watches.

Hallmarks of E. Howard & Co.

• Best known for tower clocks, wall regulators, and astronomical regulators.
• Precision engineering made their clocks a favorite in scientific and industrial settings.
• Many E. Howard clocks are still functional in historical buildings across the USA.

Waterbury Clock

The Waterbury Clock Company, established in 1857 in Waterbury, Connecticut, was an industry leader in affordable yet stylish clocks. Over time, it evolved into the famous Timex Corporation.

Key Highlights:

• Specialized in affordable mass-produced clocks for the average household.
• Known for their cottage clocks with colorful lithographs.
• Played a significant role in making timekeeping accessible to the broader public.

New Haven Clock Company

Founded in 1853 in New Haven, Connecticut, the New Haven Clock Company became a dominant player in the clock making industry. Their extensive catalog included everything from simple timepieces to complex chiming clocks.

Noteworthy Achievements:

• Produced a diverse range of clocks, including banjo clocks, mantel clocks, and alarm clocks.
• Exported their clocks internationally, spreading American clock making excellence worldwide.
• Often collaborated with jewelers and furniture makers for custom designs.

Welch, Spring & Co Clock

Based in Bristol, Connecticut, Welch, Spring & Company was renowned for its fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. Founded by Elisha N. Welch in the mid-19th century, the company focused on creating high-quality clocks.

Prominent Characteristics:

• Excelled in parlor clocks with intricate cases and detailed carvings.
• Introduced double-dial calendar clocks and skeleton clocks.
• Their clocks remain highly prized by collectors for their aesthetic and mechanical complexity.

Ingraham Clock

The E. Ingraham Company, established in 1831 in Bristol, Connecticut, gained a reputation for its stylish and affordable clocks. Elias Ingraham, the founder, was a talented case designer who left a lasting legacy in the industry.

Key Contributions:

• Specialized in gothic-style cases and circular dials.
• Produced a wide range of clocks, including mantel clocks, kitchen clocks, and schoolhouse clocks.
• Introduced patented designs that became staples in American homes.

Gilbert Clock

Located in Winsted, Connecticut, the William L. Gilbert Clock Company was a major player in the clock making industry during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Defining Features:

• Known for producing durable and affordable clocks for everyday use.
• Created distinctive steeple clocks, regulators, and calendar clocks.
• The company’s clocks often featured elegantly painted glass panels.

Ithaca Calendar Clock

Based in Ithaca, New York, the Ithaca Calendar Clock Company was founded in 1865. The company specialized in calendar clocks that displayed the time, date, day of the week, and month.

Unique Selling Points:

• Their double-dial clocks were highly innovative for their time.
• Combined practicality with beauty, appealing to both businesses and households.
• Today, Ithaca clocks are considered rare and highly collectible.

Howard Miller Clock

Although founded later in 1926, the Howard Miller Clock Company deserves mention for continuing the American tradition of fine clock making. Originally focusing on chiming wall clocks, the company expanded its range over time.

Modern Legacy:

• Known for their grandfather clocks and decorative mantel clocks.
• Combined traditional craftsmanship with modern design elements.
• The company remains a leader in clock manufacturing today.

The antique American clock industry is a masterful weaving of tradition, innovation, and artistry, with each company leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of horology. From the exquisite craftsmanship of Ansonia clocks, with their intricate designs and ornate details, to the precision engineering of E. Howard & Co., renowned for their accuracy and reliability, these timepieces are testaments to the ingenuity and dedication of the past.

These historic timepieces, more than mere functional objects, serve as tangible connections to the past, offering a glimpse into the lives and work of the skilled craftsmen who created them. Each clock is a window into a bygone era, a reflection of the values, priorities, and technological advancements of its time. The intricate mechanisms, the beautiful designs, and the attention to detail that went into crafting each timepiece all contribute to a rich narrative that spans centuries.

As we admire these antique clocks, we are reminded of the profound impact that the American clock industry has had on the world of horology. From the early beginnings of Ansonia and E. Howard & Co. to the countless other companies that have contributed to the legacy of American clock making, each has played a vital role in shaping the course of timekeeping. These timepieces, with their intricate designs and precision engineering, are a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the past, and a reminder of the enduring power of horology to inspire and captivate us.