Shelf Clocks
The shelf clock is a smaller clock that can fit on a shelf or mantle. The great thing about shelf clocks is that they are made in so many styles. You can find an antique silver clock or a classic shelf Victorian clock. The shelf clock can be made with wood or metals.
Also shelf clocks can have beautiful details, much like the antique porcelain clock. Prices again vary on this type of clock. It varies depending on size and age. The older the clock the more expensive it becomes. Of course Skeleton clocks may also be considered a shelf clock.
Some of the finest wooden shelf clocks ever made in America were produced by the E.N. Welch Company in the 1800s. In 1831 Elijah Welch forged a partnership with Thomas Barnes Jr. and they formed the Barnes & Welch company. Working in connection with they Forestville Manufacturing Company, they produced 8 day clocks with brass movements. When disaster struck and the Forestville clock company burned down. Welch purchased what remained of it as well as a few other small clock manufacturers in the area. He joined these various ventures together into one entity which became the E.N. Welch clock factory. When Elisha Welch died, his son James took over the reins as the first president of the company.
From 1879-1884, with James at the helm, the company produced a line of shelf clock models inspired by and named for the legendary opera singer Adelina Patti. With this line the company finally grew into its own and became a he success. The clocks they were producing at this time were beautiful works of craftsmanship that featured intricate column turnings, glass panes, rosettes and luxurious finials. These Patti clocks were well-received by collectors and appraisers but never lived up to expected sales figures.
In order to boost business, the company retooled the Patti models with flourishes such as: cloverleaf hands, brass pendulums with sandwich glass centers, gold leaf accents, and bells. Even the labels were glamorized by switching from black print on white labels to gold print on black labels.
By century`s end the Welch movement factory was burned, and the company began to fail. It was ultimately bought up and absorbed into the successful Session Clock Company. Nevertheless, the gorgeous shelf clocks produced by the Welch company in the mid-19th century still stand as treasures of classic American clock making. There are very few wooden shelf clocks you could own that hold more charm and appeal than a Welch Patti model shelf clock.