Prototype Shelf Clock
ClockmakerMade by
Eli Terry
American, 1772 - 1852
Date1814-1815
Mediumwood, glass
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (overall height x width x depth): 20 × 14 × 3in. (50.8 × 35.6 × 7.6cm)
ClassificationsClocks
Credit LineThe Lewis B. Winton Collection
DescriptionThis 1816 patent model for a 30-hour wooden-wheeled shelf clock is the earliest known model designed for mass production in a factory using interchangeable parts. It was designed by Eli Terry, and there is strong evidence that this is the clock made by Eli Terry as his patent model.
The case and the movement are authentic. The glass has been replaced, and this model originally had a bell. One of the benefits of this clock was to see the works and be able to set it before the weights ran to the bottom. The design feature of moving the weights to be alongside the movement, instead of under it, allowed for a shorter case. Terry also located the escapement (the brass wheel in the center) on the outside of the plate for easier maintenance.
The case and the movement are authentic. The glass has been replaced, and this model originally had a bell. One of the benefits of this clock was to see the works and be able to set it before the weights ran to the bottom. The design feature of moving the weights to be alongside the movement, instead of under it, allowed for a shorter case. Terry also located the escapement (the brass wheel in the center) on the outside of the plate for easier maintenance.
Object number1978.44.1
NotesA unique and highly important item: the earliest model known to exist for a patent design for a clock to be manufactured by factory methods using interchangeable parts. Eli Terry is regarded by many historians of technology as a pioneering inventor not only in the clock industry but in the entire development of the system of interchangeable parts (preceding and probably influencing Eli Whitney’s innovations in the production of amanents). The clockmaker is “generally acknowledged as the father of the modern clock industry.” This piece is regarded as “one of the most significant specimens in the history of American clockmaking.” CHS also holds an extensive collection of Terry’s tools, clock parts, and finished clocks.On View
Not on view
