Antique Cast Iron Ship Mantel Clock Connecticut Foundry Waterbury Movement 1920s

Details

Description

This early 20th-century cast iron mantel clock captures the height of Maritime Revival design, pairing a stylized three-masted Spanish galleon … Read more This early 20th-century cast iron mantel clock captures the height of Maritime Revival design, pairing a stylized three-masted Spanish galleon with an inset mechanical clock movement produced by the Waterbury Clock Company. Cast in solid sand-cast iron by the Connecticut Foundry Company of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, the piece features a rich multi-color palette—slate blue sails, fiery orange pennants, and a verdigris-toned hull—that provides an elevated sculptural presence for a desk, library shelf, or mantel. Combining functional heavy casting with horological utility, this piece reflects the 1920s–1930s American decorative trend of integrating precision clockworks into high-relief iron artware.

Curator's Note
An exceptional piece of 1920s American decorative metalwork, this cast iron ship clock was produced by the Connecticut Foundry Company of Rocky Hill, CT, and fitted with a mechanical movement by the Waterbury Clock Co. Featuring a three-masted galleon under sail with vibrant blue, orange, and verdigris cold-painted accents, this piece seamlessly bridges utilitarian ironwork and horological design—ideal for library styling, mantelpieces, or nautical interiors.

Type: Antique Cast Iron Galleon Ship Mantel Clock Frame with Clock Insert

Iron Foundry: Connecticut Foundry Co. (Rocky Hill, CT) – verified by the circular trademark logo stamp on upper reverse

Clock Movement: Marked The Waterbury Clock Co., Made in U.S.A.

Motif: Three-masted Spanish Galleon / Sailing Ship with openwork rigging and anchor accents

Dimensions: Approximately 11.5" Height x 10.75" Width

Weight: 5 lbs 7.7 oz

Construction: Heavy sand-cast iron frame with dual integral rear support feet

Finish: Original multi-color cold-painted enamel (blue, orange, green, bronze accents) over cast iron

Physical Description
Form & Rigging: High-relief cast iron relief panel portraying a full-rigged galleon with openwork cutouts between sails and rigging.

Clock Insert: Flush-mounted brass-cased mechanical clock movement housed in the central main sail, held securely via dual rear mounting studs and nuts. Face features Arabic numerals with a lower small seconds sub-dial.

Reverse & Markings: Unfinished rough cast iron reverse showing authentic sand-casting texture and the distinctive circular "C in a Triangle" logo hallmark of Connecticut Foundry Co. stamped at the upper center. Rear brass clock housing marked with cursive script: "The Waterbury Clock Co. Made in U.S.A." alongside regulator adjustment lever (F/S).

Base Structure: Dual rear-projecting wedge feet cast integrally with the lower hull frame to maintain an upright stance on mantles or desks. See less