New Haven Clock Value & Price Guide

The New Haven Clock Company stands as a cornerstone of American industrial history, renowned for producing a vast array of affordable and elegant timepieces. From ornate Victorian gingerbread clocks to sleek Art Deco tambours, these collectibles are prized for their reliable brass movements and classic New England craftsmanship.

Price Range: $150 - $250 based on recent sales

History of New Haven Clock

Founded in 1853 by Hiram Camp and other clockmakers in New Haven, Connecticut, the company was initially established to supply clock movements to the Jerome Manufacturing Company. After Jerome's bankruptcy in 1856, New Haven Clock Company expanded rapidly, eventually becoming one of the largest volume producers of timepieces in the world by the late 19th century. Throughout its operation until 1960, the firm was a pioneer in mass-production techniques, famously manufacturing everything from high-end regulators and wall clocks to the world's first mass-produced pocket watches. Their ability to adapt to changing styles—moving from the intricate wood carvings of the 1890s to the streamlined travel alarms of the mid-20th century—cemented their legacy in American horology.

Value Factors for New Haven Clock

The typical price range for New Haven Clock is $150 - $250 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Mechanical complexity, with weight-driven regulators and chiming mantel clocks commanding higher prices than simple spring-driven models.
• Case material and style, where rare mahogany banjo clocks or ornate steeple designs typically outperform standard 1920s tambour styles.
• The presence of original paper labels on the back or interior of the case, which provides crucial provenance and dating information for collectors.
• Functional status, specifically the integrity of the mainsprings and the cleanliness of the brass gears, which dictates the cost of professional restoration.

Tips for Buying New Haven Clock

• Examine the movement for the authentic New Haven Clock Co. stamped logo to ensure the internal mechanism hasn't been replaced with a generic modern quartz movement.
• Check the condition of the reverse-painted glass tablets on steeple and banjo clocks, as original stenciling significantly increases the item's collectible value.
• Verify if the original winding key is included, as finding a period-accurate replacement for specific New Haven arbors can be challenging and costly.
• Inspect the wood casing for original shellac or lacquer finishes, as heavy sanding or modern polyurethane refinishing can decrease the market value by up to fifty percent.

Items in This Collection

• New Haven Steeple Clock
• New Haven Banjo Clock
• New Haven Clock Co. Mantel Clock
• New Haven Regulator Wall Clock
• New Haven Gingerbread Clock
• New Haven Mantel Clock
• New Haven Regulator Clock
• New Haven Travel Alarm Clock
• New Haven Tambour Clock
• New Haven Shelf Clock
• New Haven Tambour Mantel Clock
• New Haven Tambour Mantle Clock
• New Haven Clock Dial