Collections: Decorative Arts: Clock, Albatross

Clock, Albatross

• Makers: New Haven Clock Company, working ca. 1853-1956; J. & J. G. Low Art Tile Works, 1877-1907
• Medium: Brass and glazed earthenware tiles
• Place Manufactured: New Haven, Connecticut, USA
• Dates: ca. 1884
• Dimensions: 12 1/4 x 9 x 5 1/4 in. (31.1 x 22.9 x 13.3 cm)
• Markings: Impressed on back of side tiles: J. & J.G. LOW / PAT / ART TILE WORKS / CHELSEA / MASS. U.S.A. / COPYRIGHT 1884 / by J.G. & J.E. LOW
• Signature: Unsigned
• Inscriptions: no inscriptions
• Collections: Decorative Arts
• Museum Location: This item is not on view
• Accession Number: 88.23
• Credit Line: H. Randolph Lever Fund
• Catalogue Description: Clock with rectangular frame ornamented with cast Chinese cloud motifs sits on attached brass fretwork base. Front and side panels of clock set with glazed earthenware tiles in dark blue with molded decoration of bees, leaves and vine, asymmetrically arranged. Face of clock, inset into front tile, is flanked by brass diamond lozenges and has a circular cover of beveled glass, framed in brass. Inside cover clock face is surrounded by brass border of modified egg-and-dart motif. Arabic numerals painted in black on face; center of face recessed and exposes part of mechanism. Top of clock has rectangular tile cushion panel of dark blue with stylized cloud motif set in brass fretwork frame. Rear of clock has circular opening exposing works; this opening is surrounded by brass border with cloud motifs flanked by diamond lozenges. CONDITION: Working order but some oxidation to works. Especially chime coil. Two hairline cracks to face, through 6 and between 9/10. X-shaped scratch, upper right of front tile. Normal wear.