E. and G. W. Bartholomew Shelf Clock, about 1820

Made by E. and G. W. Bartholomew in Bristol, Conn., about 1820, this clock features a thirty-hour wooden movement that strikes the hours. The white-painted dial has Roman hour numerals, painted spandrels in gold and a central stylized ring of gold-painted designs inside the ring of hours. The mahogany case has a carved eagle splat, two hollow columns through which the weights fall, paw feet and three central parts: a clear glass door covers the dial, the center features a mirror and the bottom glass panel shows a reverse-painted scene with a structure and a tree inside a gold-leaf rectangle. Two weights and a brass-covered pendulum bob also survive. Inside the case, a printed label reads: "Patent Clocks Manufactured & Sold by E. & G. Bartholomew, Bristol, Conn. P. Canfield, Printer, Hartford.”

George Wells Bartholomew and his cousin Eli started a clockmaking business in Bristol, Conn., in 1828, and, when the partnership dissolved in a few short years, G. W. continued alone until 1840. He then opened a cutlery business, but abandoned it in 1848 to head to the California gold fields.

Reference:

Smith, Eddy N. et al., Bristol, Connecticut: “in the Olden Time New Cambridge,” which includes Forestville. Hartford, Conn.: City Printing, 1907.

Currently not on view