Little changes adding up over time as the ship moved from what it had been to what it would be next James S. A. Corey, Babylon’s Ashes This is Part I of a 2 part series on a clock collectors predicament: preserve or restore and consume This quote from Babylon’s Ashes (The Expanse) sums up … More Preserve, restore and/or consume – A clock owners perspective on intervention: Part I
Every blogger knows that it takes time to build a popular blog and unless you have a surefire winning formula right off the mark it takes months if not years to build a loyal following. Many blogs fail within the first few months out of frustration yet patience, determination and some hard work is all … More Top ten blog articles of all time – my blog, of course
A distinctive feature of this Seth Thomas round top is the lyre shaped 8-day Plymouth time and strike spring-driven movement with a hour strike on an iron bell. Not all of these models have the alarm but this one does. The movement is die-stamped “S. Thomas, Plymouth Conn.” and fitted with Geneva stops (stop-works) to … More A simple Seth Thomas round top alarm repair
Daylight savings Time; let’s follow the province of British Columbia’s (BC) lead and get rid of DST. In the meantime set your clocks back one hour if still you live in an area where the convention is still followed. Typically, regions that use daylight saving time adjust clocks forward one hour close to the start … More Daylight savings Time – let’s end this nonsense
My wife’s aunt lives in a quaint home near a small town in the south of Ireland. During our recent visit to Ireland we were invited to her home, had tea and cake and had a long talk about family history. While there I was asked to take a look at the family clock which … More Aunt Theresa’s mantel clock
When I bought this clock I was not sure what I had. There is no label, no makers name on the dial and an unsigned movement. I thought, Gilbert or perhaps a Sessions? It did not take me long to find out that the clock is a No. 3027 Gilbert, otherwise known as the Admiral.
When I bought this clock I was not sure what I had. There is no label, no makers name on the dial and an unsigned movement. I thought, Gilbert, Sessions? This clock was hanging on the wall of a local antique shop with no price. When I inquired the shop owner said that he just … More Gilbert Admiral schoolhouse clock – first look
“I have a sterling silver collection”, she said, “that my son will melt down and sell for cash” once I am gone My sister, who is a couple of years younger and “was” an avid antique collector, remarked the other day that she has stopped collecting antiques. Why, I asked. There is no one to … More Destroying the past is not something new
Once the Sessions Clock Co acquired E. N. Welch assets in 1902 (for the history of E. N. Welch go here) the company was well on its way to becoming one of the biggest clock producers in America. Production began in 1903 and between that time and 1933 Sessions produced 52 models of mechanical clocks, … More Sessions Lexington Banjo Clock: 1928
During our stay in Springfield Ma. to attend a NAWCC annual clock convention in June 2019 we stopped in Bristol, Connecticut about 45 minutes drive south of Springfield. In Bristol, Connecticut is the American Clock and Watch Museum. The non-descript white clapboard New England styled salt-box is what first greets the visitor. Although the museum … More American Clock and Watch Museum – a must-see for any clock enthusiast
When I attended the NAWCC Convention In June 2019 I bought this clock at the clock mart which is a unique opportunity to find that special clock among thousands offered for sale. I have always equated E.N Welch with quality and this clock is no exception. I have one other Welch, the Whittier, a parlour … More E. N. Welch large cottage clock – first look
Among the most respected American clockmakers is the Seth Thomas Clock Co. In my collection are 6 Seth Thomas clocks representing several styles all of which are unique representing the period between 1865 and 1930. I acquired this clock at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors conference in Springfield Ma. in June of … More Seth Thomas round top cottage clock
Chauncey Jerome along with his brother Noble introduced the first mass-produced brass movement in 1839 two years after the depression of 1837 knocked out 90% of factories in the Northeast (New England States). The 30-hour brass movement was rugged, cheap to repair and not subject to swelling found in wood movement clocks. Despite business ups … More Jerome & Co. round top shelf clock – first impressions
Visiting any clock museum is always an interesting and engaging experience. On our way from Boston to Springfield Ma. to attend the NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors) Convention 2019 we stopped in a small community called Grafton and in that community is the Willard House and Clock Museum one of the foremost … More The Willard House and Clock Museum
We call it Daylight Saving Time (DST), the British call it “British Summer Time” and it is called “summertime” in other countries. It is the practice of advancing clocks during summer months so that evening daylight lasts longer while sacrificing normal sunrise times. Typically, regions that use daylight saving time adjust clocks forward one hour … More Daylight Savings Time – Speak up! Its Time for a Change
Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clock, issues you might have had, challenges you face or a clock you would like me to profile and my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump … More Tick Talk Tuesday #21 – What is my Ansonia schoolhouse clock worth?
Although I did not buy any clocks during my trip to the west here are examples of what you might find in some of the better quality antique shops. The three shops these clocks are from are located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Let the photos speak for themselves. captions identify some of the … More Antique clock shopping experience
Searching for a weight driven time-only banjo clock can be a challenge and acquiring an authentic example would go a long way to completing my collection. Securing an authentic Willard would certainly be the icing on the cake. The style was widely copied by other members of the Willard family of clock makers and many … More The quest for an authentic banjo clock
Reader EW asked me if I wanted a second Westclox LaSalle 61C alarm clock. Yes, I said, of course. I was advised of the condition of the clock beforehand so there was no surprise when it arrived in the mail. The important distinction between my clock and the new arrival is that the new one … More 2 Westclox LaSalle 61C clocks combined to make one working clock
A clock club for the Maritimes – why not! After having attended a NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors) May 2019 chapter meeting in Ottawa and the 2019 NAWCC National Convention in June of this year I began to wonder why there is no NAWCC representation in the Maritime provinces of Canada (Nova … More Maritimes clock club – Interested?
I have worked on several Gilbert clocks in the past few months which is unusual for me. Certain makes of clocks seem to come in bunches. This clock is a 6 column time and strike antique Gilbert mantel clock made in 1913, and reflects a period when every American maker had a similar style. Some … More Gilbert 6 column mantel clock
This is Part II of a two Part series on a New Haven Sharp Gothic (Steeple) clock. This blog-post is about servicing the movement. My recently acquired New Haven Gothic Steeple 30-hour clock is an online auction win. The case is in very good condition apart from minor veneer issues on the base and the … More New Haven Sharp Gothic (Steeple) clock – Part II – a poor solder repair is the culprit
This is Part I entitled History Unearthed. It is the first part of a two part series. Part II concerns servicing the movement. My recently acquired New Haven Gothic Steeple 30-hour clock is an online auction win. The case is in very good condition apart from minor veneer issues on the base and the columns. … More New Haven Sharp Gothic (Steeple) clock – Part I – history unearthed
I have an upstairs office in my home where I work on most of my clocks. I also have a small workshop in my basement where I work on clock cases; gluing, painting, reconstruction and other odd jobs. In the spring of this year (2019) my wife asked me how many clocks are running in … More Clocks running in my office – a short video
And now for the exciting conclusion. This is Part II of a two part series. Part one covers the first three steps in renewing a Seth Thomas clock dial. In this, Part II, the decorative design is restored on the corners. Inpainting is the process of reconstructing lost or deteriorated parts of a clock dial. … More Inpainting a Seth Thomas clock dial – Part II
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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