Sidewalk Clock at 519 3rd Avenue, Manhattan
Why it's listed
A cast-iron sidewalk clock about 15 feet tall stands roughly 24 inches from the curb in front of 519 Third Avenue in Manhattan. It has a panelled rectangular pedestal with an access panel, a fluted column topped by an acanthus leaf capital, and a round casing holding twin clock faces. The faces were modified after 1947 to carry the script inscription "Versailles Est. 1947" with Arabic numerals. The maker is unknown, though the E. Howard Company is suggested as a possibility. Clocks of this kind were common on American city streets between 1880 and 1930, often installed by business owners of modest means for timekeeping and advertising. This example is considered the only one of its type left in New York City and one of two remaining on Third Avenue. It is listed for that rarity and for keeping its original style and commercial street setting, even though the clock is inactive and its dials have been repainted or replaced.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the clock is a rare surviving New York City example of the urban sidewalk clocks popular in American cities between 1880 and 1930. It is the only example of its type in the city and one of two clocks remaining on Third Avenue in Manhattan. Despite poor maintenance and altered dials, it keeps the integrity of its original style and its urban commercial setting.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 85000928, listed April 18, 1985. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 519 3rd Ave., New York |
|---|---|
| County | Manhattan |
| Listed | April 18, 1985 |
| Reference number | 85000928 |
| Resource type | Object |
| Period of significance | c.1880-1930 |
| Architect / builder | Manufacturer unknown; possibly E. Howard Company |
| Areas of significance | Commerce, Art |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Present use is listed as inactive; condition is rated fair, with a general lack of maintenance noted. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 40.74617, -73.97763 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 85000928.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.