Clock, Mantel
Object number2012.78.1 a-d
Datec. 1890
MediumMetal, chrome, brass
Credit LineGift of David Finley
DescriptionBlack, Y-shaped, metal clock with chrome trim on a footed base. Square face with gold Roman numeral hours. Mechanical accessories on the top and a platform on the left side of the clock. Clockworks are exposed from the back. Rectangular, black, metal pendulum on a silver rod with a hook at the end; square, chrome weight at the bottom. Silver key that has an oval-shaped bow and a square-shaped threading at the bottom.Dimensionsa) 12.00" L, 5.562" W, 17.50" Hb) 4.25" L, 1.25" W, 0.75" H
c) 4.562" L, 5.375" W, 0.25" H
d) 2.75" L, 1.50" W, 0.25" H
Inscriptions(a)
Face has gold Roman numeral hours.
"RA" stamped in the top.
(d)
A "7" is stamped on the back of the stem.
Historical NotesClock commissioned in 1890 by David Shields Bissell, modeled after the steam hammer at the Duquesne Forge, as a memento of the Duquesne Forge and Iron Company. The family was involved in the iron and steel business for several generations before they sold the business to Andrew Carnegie. They trace their roots back to 16th century France, from which their Huguenot ancestor's fled to Somersetshire, England. John Bissell was the first to come to America in 1639/1640. Several generations later John's great, great, great, great grandson John Bissell came to Pittsburgh in 1812, as a clerk for William Semple. In 1835, he and Semple, in partnership with two other gentlemen, bought the Juniata Rolling Mills in Allegheny City, they renamed it Semple, Bissell and Company. John's son William Semple Bissell became involved in the company until they closed on the eve of the Civil War as much of their business was in the South. William became involved in the railroad business and his son, David Shields Bissell, also became a well known Pittsburgh businessman. David S. Bissell bought the Duquesne Forge and Iron Company in 1889, throughout the 1890s the company, in partnership with Midvale Steel Company, produced most of the engine forgings for new Navy ships. In 1902, he sold the company to McClintock-Marshall Company, a subsidiary of United States Steel. Bissell also founded the Versailles Chemical Company and the Union Gas Company.
Related person
David Shields Bissell
Related institution
Duquesne Forge and Iron Company
Related institution
Midvale Steel Company
Related institution
United States Navy
Related institution
McClintock-Marshall Company
Related institution
United States Steel Corporation
Related institution
Versailles Chemical Company
Related institution
Union Gas Company
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