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The Gale Drop Calendar Model No. 3, also known as the Parliament Model, is a fine example of 19th-century American clockmaking ingenuity, crafted circa 1883 by the E.N.Welch Clock Co. and Daniel Gale in Forestville, Connecticut. Encased in beautiful rosewood, the clock's original finish has maintained its rich, elegant graining, adding to its antique appeal. The clock's intricate paper dial is applied to a tin pan. Its condition is remarkably well-preserved, divided into five displays, each serving a different function—marking the time, day, date, month, sunrise- sunset table, and lunar phases.
The most impressive feature of this clock is its perpetual calendar mechanism. It accounts for the variations in the number of days each month and even adjusts for leap years, making it an advanced timekeeping device for its era. The time is displayed through traditional hour and minute hands on the upper dial, while smaller dials around the face show the day of the week, the current month, and the month's date. Additionally, a dedicated dial tracks the moon's phases, and a specialized table calculates sunrise and sunset times for each month, demonstrating the clock's utility beyond essential timekeeping.
This clock is a testament to the innovation and invention of Daniel Jackson Gale, whose calendar mechanisms set a new standard for accuracy in the field of horology. The gilt design on the lower door and the original brass-covered pendulum bob further add to the clock's decorative appeal. Whether appreciated for its historical value or mechanical sophistication, the Gale Drop Calendar Model No. 3 remains an extraordinary piece, reflecting the brilliance of 19th-century craftsmanship. Its enduring functionality and preserved condition make it a treasure for collectors and enthusiasts.
Daniel Jackson Gale was born in Waitsfield, Vermont, on December 24, 1830. In 1870, he began a relationship with the Welch and Spring Company. They agreed to use his calendar attachment in their clocks. He continued to improve his design but added complications. He died on June 17, 1901, in Bristol at 71.
Height 30.5", Width 17", Depth 5"
Inventory number 224098
Price $4,500
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