Anniversary Clock Discovery

The invention and discovery of the anniversary clock (or 400 day clock) is credited to Aaron Crane in 1841. However, some researchers claim that the discoverer of the clock’s mechanism was the German Anton Harder in 1879. But the copyright to the name was registered
to the Bowler and Burdock Company of Cleveland, Ohio in 1901.

The Bowler and Burdock Company Clock

In 1901, the company produced a clock that was set below a glass dome. The clock was unique in many respects because it could run for 400 days with just one winding.

This was a significant improvement over the other clocks available at the time. The time keepers sold in those days could only run for 30 days or even 8 days before another winding becomes necessary.

The discovery of the anniversary clock is also credited with this company because they were the ones to christen it as such. The name was chosen because one could wind it during that special time of the year.

Wedding Gift

Eventually, married couples would wind the clock on their anniversary. This is the reason why the clock would become very trendy as wedding gifts. The clock became popular for the groom and bride because they could wound it on their anniversary.

After World War II

Following its discovery, production of the piece and other clocks were reduced during World War II. The reason is that the clock material was used to produce war material. After the war, several companies resumed production.

Not all were successful however. In fact, many companies shut down because the clocks were expensive. But the Bowler and Burdock Company kept making their 400 day clocks. The clock would become popular among soldiers who presented it to their wives or girlfriends.

Design

Following the success of the Bowler and Burdock Company, other manufacturers followed suit. They maintained the basic design of Bowler and Burdock however. The average clock is 12 inches high, while the smaller versions measure 9 inches.

The base is circular and usually measures six inches in diameter. Many of these clocks have a glass base, but others are made from porcelain. The dial is constructed from porcelain. These also have torsion pendulums, in contrast to the swinging type.

While the discovery of the anniversary clock is subject to some speculation, it is clear that the product is here to stay. Aside from being a wedding gift, they are very popular as ornaments for the home.