Category: clock

Pequegnat gingerbread clock and dial inpainting

In light of current world events the antiquevintageclock.com family wish to convey our sympathy and condolences to those effected by Covid 19

In this article, I will describe the steps taken to inpaint and restore the dial of an Arthur Pequegnat time and strike gingerbread clock.

But first, what is inpainting? And what does it have to do with clock dials?

Inpainting is a dial restoration or conservation process where damaged, deteriorating, or missing parts of a dial are filled in to present a complete image.

And what does the term dial restoration mean?

Dial restoration includes adhering loose flakes, filling areas of loss, cleaning, colour matching, repairing graphics, inpainting of decorative artwork and sealing. Some dials are easier to work on than others but generally speaking American antique clocks dials are good candidates. Dial inpainting can be hit and miss, and the final results can range from fair to excellent.

Here is an earlier project. The before photo shows the significant losses on the dial of an 1850s Seth Thomas column and cornice clock.

Before inpainting

And, after inpainting. In this example, restoring the floral spandrels and the chapter ring was the most challenging part of the project.

Working on a clock dial

I was pleased with the final result though these dials are among the easiest to work on.

After: Seth Thomas dial, column and cornice clock

Now let’s turn to a circa 1918 Arthur Pequegnat Canuck time and strike gingerbread clock. There was considerable paint loss, numerals in a script that is a challenge to reproduce and a chapter ring consisting of small dashes with a 4-dot pattern every 5 minutes. To make matters worse, a previous owner had made an attempt to paint in larger sections of the dial.

Given its poor condition, I was initially tempted to buy a replacement dial; $50.00 for paper-on-tin and $4.00 for a paper dial plus tax and shipping. However, I decided to attempt inpainting.

My supplies, which I have on-hand, consisted of:

  • Level 3 – 10/0 spotter artist’s paintbrush
  • #2 artist’s paintbrush
  • A selection of satin finish water-based acrylic paints; white, yellow, red, and blue
  • Black paint for numerals
  • Pitt artist’s pen, fine tip
  • Pencil eraser
  • Toothpicks for mixing paint
  • Q-Tips to remove over painted areas and polish brass bezel
  • Woodblock
Supplies

Occasionally I use a pencil eraser to remove dirt around the centre and winding arbour hole holes. It is very effective at removing years of dirt and grime.

White is the base paint. Others colours are mixed to replicate the aged finish. There is no magic to this. It takes trial and error to match the dial colour which had yellowed considerably over the years. An exact match is more luck than skill and there are a thousand shades of off-white. I suggest painting in warm light or natural light for best results. Arriving as close as possible to the aged finish was my objective.

The numbers were in reasonably good shape and it takes a steady hand to fill in the missing sections especially the dashes on the chapter ring. For very thin lines, I use a black artist’s pen with a fine tip.

Before and after

Of course, upon close examination, you can see the infilled areas and the touched-up numbers but from average viewing distance, it is difficult to tell.

About 1/2 meter away (the case had been cleaned earlier).

While I was working in the dial I cleaned the brass bezel with Q-Tips and Brasso.

Before (inset) and after

There are some dials I leave as-is since the age and patina of the dial is an important part of the character of the clock but if it is too far gone, as in these examples, inpainting is certainly an option.

All in all a very satisfying project. Now on to servicing the movement.

My collection of Arthur Pequegnat clocks

In light of current world events the antiquevintageclock.com family wish to convey our sympathy and condolences to those effected by Covid 19

There are a fair number of Canadian clock enthusiasts that have various sized collections of Pequegnat clocks. Skip Kerr‘s extensive collection immediately comes to mind.

Although my collection is modest by comparison with just eight Arthur Pequegnat Canadian-made clocks they cover a range of models from kitchen to wall clocks.

The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company was in business in Berlin, later renamed, Kitchener, Ontario (Canada) from 1904 to about 1941. Pequegnat clocks are well known among Canadian Clock collectors. Many are still running today and they can be easily found on local and national online for-sale sites and you might even find them on the northern border states of the US.

Here they are; I will let the captioned photos speak for themselves.

Arthur Pequegnat Maple Leaf kitchen clock, otherwise known as the “Fan top”
Restored Athur Pequegnat Bedford mantel clock
Arthur Pequegnat Bedford mantel clock (variant with larger dial)
Arthur Pequegnat Simcoe mantel clock
Arthur Pequegnat Simcoe mantel clock, Berlin period
Arthur Pequegnat Canadian Time (time-only) wall clock
Arthur Pequegnat Brandon (second version)
Arthur Pequegnat Canuck kitchen clock (otherwise known as a gingerbread clock)
Arthur Pequegnat Kitchen clock, Maple Leaf, otherwise known among collectors as the “pointed top”
Arthur Pequegnat Moncton, double spring time-only 15-day clock, post-Berlin (after 1917)

My journey goes on as I continue to purchase Pequegnat clocks adding them to my collection. I have yet to secure a tambour style clock and a Regulator #1 is certainly on the top of my list.

Arthur Pequegnat Canuck gingerbread clock first look

Hi readers, in light of current world events the antiquevintageclock.com family wish to convey our sympathy and condolences to those effected by Covid 19

I have a total of eight Arthur Pequegnat clocks in my collection. The newest, an Arthur Pequegnat Canuck is not exactly my favorite though it is not unattractive for a gingerbread clock. The company made a range of kitchen clocks but I have seen very few in the true gingerbread style, such as this one.

The clock runs well though it will certainly need servicing

Few are offered on online for-sale sites so it is quite possible that not many of them have survived over the years. Collectors would often pass them up as most other Pequegnat clocks are considered more desirable and valuable.

Label located under the base of the clock

Continue reading “Arthur Pequegnat Canuck gingerbread clock first look” →

Dating an antique Gothic Steeple Manross clock

Hi readers, in light of current world events the antiquevintageclock.com family wish to convey our sympathy and condolences to those effected by Covid 19

Dating a clock can be a challenge and often an estimate within a range of dates is the best that can be accomplished. Dating some clocks can be relatively easy as in the case of this Sessions Beveled Number 2 tambour style time and strike. Inside the back access door, it is stamped Sept 1927, the date of manufacture.

Further research about the clockmaker, the movement design and the label will reveal a date within a narrow range
Inside access door of Sessions tambour clock
Sessions Beveled No. 2

This Gilbert time and strike movement has a die-stamped year but the month of manufacture is unknown. Other markings in the case might narrow it down.

Toothpicks reminding of the location of the bell lever
Gilbert movement made in 1906

Research concerning the maker, the clock design, the model name or number and the label may reveal the exact date or something within a narrow range of years. Books on the identification of American clocks such as those by Tran Duy Ly can be very helpful.

Let’s look at this Elisha Manross Gothic Steeple clock.

Elisha Manross (1792-1856) was an important pioneer of the Connecticut clock and made a variety of clock styles, one of which is the gothic steeple pictured below.

Elisha Manross Gothic Steeple clock. Hands are incorrect; it would have had spade hour and spear minute hands

Although Elisha Manross had been active in Bristol clock-making since 1812 and earlier he shows in the Bristol tax records as making clocks from 1842-1851. His business was dissolved in 1854 and the factory was purchased in 1855 by E.N. Welch.

Manross made two steeple clocks. One is 20″ high and 10″ wide, the other is 19 1/2 inches high by 9 1/2 inches wide. The larger case would have made for other labels but the smaller size such as this one was manufactured in the Manross factory.

Elisha Manross 30 hour movement
A very dirty Elisha Manross 30 hour movement, just out of the case

This 30-hour clock by Elisha Manross has some distinctive features that help in its dating. Let’s narrow down the date by looking at the design of the movement and case. Three features make this clock interesting. One, it has very rare brass mainsprings; two, the count-wheel is located in the middle on the backplate and three, the veneer on the front columns and door is in a vertical orientation.

Brass mainsprings

Brass mainsprings were invented, patented and first used in 1836 by Joseph Shaylor Ives. Brass was cheaper and more accessible than steel in the mid-1830s and 1840s. Silas B. Terry developed steel springs for clock use in the Bristol area circa 1847, and as steel improved and became cheaper, brass springs quickly disappeared.

In the history of the American clockmaking, brass mainsprings had a very short life, between 1836 and 1850. The brass mainsprings on this movement have survived for a very long time and most clocks of this age have had replacement steel mainsprings.

Count-wheel

Many American time and strike movements have the count wheel located on the left side of the front plate just above the mainspring (or winding arbour for a weight-driven clock). Placing the count wheel in the rear of this movement adds complexity to the lever arrangement. Also absent is a strike-side cam wheel typically found on later American time and strike movements.

Manross backplate showing location of count-wheel

Veneer and vertical orientation

Exotic woods were used to cover the pine case. Elisha Manross clocks were either clad in Rosewood veneer or Mahogany. Manross clocks were produced with the Mahogany veneer in a vertical orientation, such as this clock, and Rosewood veneer in a horizontal orientation. American clockmakers did not normally orient the veneer in this manner.

Left front column

Dating this clock – let’s see what the data tells us

Records also show that steeple cases were made by Manross between 1847 and 1853. The label on the clock is in remarkable condition for a 168-year-old clock and is extremely helpful in dating this clock. On the back of the door, the left side of the upper tablet is the inscription 8/43, not once but twice. Is this the date the case was made? The door is clearly original to the case since it has the same vertical orientation as the veneer.

Records also show the sale of 705 cases (unknown as to type) to “E. Manross” during the months July-November, 1843. It is very possible the case was constructed in 1843, stored until later when the movements were placed in the case and readied for sale.

The date of August 1843 is inconsistent with the label, located on the inside backboard, which was printed by Elihu Geer at his shop on 10 State Street, Hartford Conn on or about 1850. The label was likely added to the case just prior to the sale of the clock.

We can conclude that the clock was made no earlier than 1843 and no later than 1850 and we can safely date this clock within a 5-7 year period.

Dating aside, it is truly remarkable that a mechanical device that is 173 years old is still operating to this day.

NOTE: The principal source of this blog article is the October 1993 NAWCC bulletin.

7 reasons why a hobby is your oasis for the coming dark days

Pequegnat dial touch up

Amid the health crisis ensnaring the world today finding escape is good for the soul. Social distancing, self-isolation, and sheltered-in-place are terms representing new realities. However, we must all use our time at home constructively engaged in meaningful activities and mine is the repair and restoration of old clocks. Horology allows me to drift into a very different world and focus on something uplifting, challenging and positive.

If clocks are not your thing, insert whatever hobby you have below but bear with me as I give you seven reasons why a hobby is a great thing to have in times of high stress.

One of my more recent restorations, a Scottish tall case clock from the 1850s. Read more here.

So here are 7 reasons why a hobby (like clockmaking) gives you respite in today’s world.

  1. Build self-esteem. Developing and maintaining a hobby is important because the small successes I have from day to day are enough to sustain me while other pressures are occurring in my life and it is the one solid thing to feel good about. It also gives me renewed energy to tackle other challenges in life.
  2. Avoid boredom. I have zero scientific evidence of this but I really believe that boredom is responsible for a lot of society’s ills and destructive behaviours. How many people come home after a challenging workday to watch TV for hours on end (depressing news programs for example) when they could be doing something constructive and rewarding?
  3. Enrich your perspective. There is an old adage: “The more you know, the more you grow”.  Any opportunity to learn something new, to be challenged anew, is great for character-building by seeing the world through refreshed eyes. My hobby helps me differentiate myself from others and provides me with key examples of where I have overcome adversity or tackled a difficult situation and emerged on the other side.
  4. Keep you youthful. Establishing and maintaining a hobby is a very healthy habit to form not just now but for your later years. Hobbies are excellent for brain health and stave off cognitive decline. The older you get the more trouble you will have struggling to fill your time with meaningful activities. Beginning a hobby early in life pays dividends in the long run, not unlike an interest-bearing investment.
  5. Combine your hobby with other interests. Photography and travelling are two other interests in my life. Blog writing is another, of course. This hobby allows me to combine all of those interests and as a side benefit my wife, who is also my travel partner and clock locator, encourages me every day. Of course, lately, we have had to curtail some of our travelling because of world events.
  6. It makes me interesting. You can only talk about your occupation or your grandchild for so long before people’s eyes begin to glaze, but if I mention that I have a clock that fell off a wall during the Halifax Explosion, a clock that hung in a railway station near where I live, a rare clock I bought for next to nothing, ears perk up.
  7. A great way to relieve stress. My hobby provides stress relief simply because it is an oasis and we all need a place of refuge in trying times.
Crispi clock back from the horologist
Complete restoration of German time and strike wall clock, Junghans Crispi circa 1899

In these trying times, I find comfort in knowing that my clocks work and look great because of the time and effort I devote to my hobby. My advice is simply this; it is never too late to find a hobby and once you have found something that is engaging and takes you away from the troubles in life, you have found your own oasis.

Canada Clock Co. Hamilton Cottage Extra – dial in-painting

Back label in good condition for the age of the clock

While waiting for movement parts I continued to work on the case of this antique Canadian cottage clock from the mid 1880s. The dial needs attention and in this article I will describe the procedures for in-painting the numerals and decorative elements.

Decorative hand-painted antique dials need attention from time to time. Through environment and use they become victims of wear and neglect. Stabilizing and restoring dials maintains the value of the clock. In-painting involves filling areas of loss, cleaning, colour matching, repairing graphics and decorative art work.

The Canada Clock Co.

The Canada Clock Company in its three iterations made clocks in Ontario, Canada between 1872 and 1884. The Canada Clock Co, the Hamilton Clock Co. and then Canada Clock Co. (redux) struggled over a 12 year period to put Canada on the clock-making map. Ultimately their efforts failed. Nonetheless, there are plenty of fine examples that have survived to this day.

I found this interesting example in an antique shop in downtown Truro, Nova Scotia. The model is called Hamilton Cottage Extra.

First look

This is the dial when I first saw it. It is unsightly and distracting. Severe flaking over a good portion of the dial surface plus an attempt to repaint the numbers by a past owner presented a challenge for restoration.

Continue reading “Canada Clock Co. Hamilton Cottage Extra – dial in-painting” →

Scottish tall case clock circa 1850s

For the past several years my wife and I have been searching for an authentic antique tall case clock. I finally found one at an estate auction an hour down the road from where I live and seized the opportunity to purchase a clock I knew practically nothing about. In this blog article, I will describe first impressions and the results of my preliminary research.

I have had only one tall clock in my collection, a Ridgeway Westminster chime clock from the mid-1990s. It is stately with handsome lines but it is a modern clock with a contemporary German-made movement and certainly not an antique.

Continue reading “Scottish tall case clock circa 1850s” →

Canada Clock Co. – 30 hour time and strike needs some love

Servicing this clock from the Canada Clock Company was a real challenge as I encountered many issues that conspired to slow my progress.

I found this clock in an antique shop in downtown Truro, Nova Scotia at basically a give-away price. The seller knew nothing about the Canada Clock Co. and that was fine with me.

So, what happens when amateurs and backyard mechanics get their hands on a movement. Read on.

But first, a little about the short-lived Canada Clock Co.

Canada Clock Co Hamilton Cottage Extra
Canada Clock Co Hamilton Cottage Extra

The Canada Clock Company in its three iterations made clocks in Ontario, Canada between 1872 and 1884. The Canada Clock Co, the Hamilton Clock Co. and then Canada Clock Co. (redux) struggled over a 12 year period to put Canada on the clock-making map. Ultimately their efforts failed. Nonetheless, there are a number of fine examples that have survived to this day

Description 

The clock is a 30-hour time and strike movement on a bell. It is the “Hamilton Cottage Extra”, one of the least expensive in their line of cottage clocks.

Back label in good condition for the age of the clock
The label is in fair condition but identifies the model name and yes I paid far less than the sticker price

The case, which is in fair condition, reflects the age of the clock, grimy with numerous chips and scuff marks. Constructed of pine with a walnut stain finish the case has a minimum of decorative features and reflects the muted Victorian style of the times. The label is in fair condition and there is a stamp on the top of the label which says, “…A Hill &Co.”.

The lower part of the tablet has an etched glass floral design common on Canada Clock Company clocks. The dial face is flaked in places, has been “touched up” and will need attention.

The Maltese hands are original.

Original time and strike 30 hour movement
Original time and strike 30-hour movement

I tested the movement while in the case. The time side runs with a little encouragement while the strike side has the typical run-on strike when things fall out of adjustment.

Assessment of the Movement

When I disassembled the movement there were a few unexpected surprises. I now have answers for a movement that is running poorly.

Strike side mainspring riveted together

Both mainsprings had been modified, a very old repair. I try not to be judgemental when I see this and respect the folks that made every effort to keep their clocks running as best they could often with limited means. However, these look dangerous and must be replaced.

Time side mainspring with a nail holding parts of the mainspring together

Now on to other issues.

Levers bent in all directions

This is the strike side. What are the correct positions for the levers? Bent so many times it will take trial and error to find precisely where the levers should go.

The “hammer”

The hammer is actually a copper wire wound around 2 nuts and it is loose in the arbour.

Helper “string” or helper spring

There is enough helper spring to wrap around the pillar but someone thought the string was necessary. It will be replaced with a new spring.

Nuts for a hammer and the bell has been repositioned

While the bell may be original, Judging from the number of holes, it has been relocated and raised to work with the home-made hammer.

The movement is a disappointing mess but not unfixable. In the clock business, you must expect the unexpected. In the meantime, I can clean the parts and perform pivot polishing and bushing work while I await parts.

I am determined to get this clock running so, stay tuned for the movement servicing and dial painting!

What is this clock thing for? #5 – the pivot locator

I want to talk about one of the most useful tools in clock repair, the pivot locator.

As an avid horology enthusiast for the past 9 years, I have been steadily building my knowledge of clock repair and with it a selection of essential clock tools.

Continue reading “What is this clock thing for? #5 – the pivot locator” →

Re-organizing my office/shop

My clock hobby has evolved to the point that I am constantly looking for ways to increase efficiency and adapt space to suit my needs. What began as an upstairs bedroom has become my office/shop for the past 6 years.

The acquisition of new tools and equipment means more space and, of course, more room for clocks.

This is how my office looked in 2014.

Continue reading “Re-organizing my office/shop” →

Seven steps to servicing an antique or vintage clock movement

Why does a mechanical clock movement require servicing? The answer is fairly straight forward.

Keeping your clock in good running condition requires maintaining the movement’s working parts and maintaining the working parts reduces wear. Ideally, most clocks should be serviced every three to five years to maximize longevity and ensure proper functioning.

This article describes the 7 steps that I typically follow when servicing an antique or vintage clock movement. A common American 8-day time and strike, pendulum-driven movement is used as an example.

Continue reading “Seven steps to servicing an antique or vintage clock movement” →

Seth Thomas round top in for servicing-Part II

8-day Lyre movement in its case
8-day Lyre movement in its case

In this, Part II of my Seth Thomas time and strike shelf clock servicing I discuss bushing work, cleaning, final assembly and testing.

Seth Thomas round top shelf clock, days after it was purchased

In Part I, my observations (and preliminary repairs) concerning my Seth Thomas round top shelf clock were as follows.

Continue reading “Seth Thomas round top in for servicing-Part II” →

Seth Thomas round top in for servicing -Part I

A small piece of veneer is missing from the bezel of this Seth Thomas shelf clock

This is a Seth Thomas round top mantel clock in for servicing. This is Part I of two parts.

Among the most respected American clockmakers is the Seth Thomas Clock Co. My collection consists of six Seth Thomas clocks representing several styles made between 1865 and 1930.

Seth Thomas time and strike 8-day alarm clock

I purchased this particular mantel clock at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors conference in Springfield Ma. in June of 2019.

Continue reading “Seth Thomas round top in for servicing -Part I” →

Pendulum bob weight – should it make a difference?

E N Welch 8-day cottage clock
Welch movement on test stand
E. N. Welch movement on test stand

I was working on a E. N. Welch (ca. 1875) mantel clock movement in the late fall of 2019, giving it a thorough cleaning during which I installed 6 bushings.

Continue reading “Pendulum bob weight – should it make a difference?” →

Odd marriage and an amusing explanation of the maker

Interesting marriage

This clock was advertised on a local online for-sale site. It is a Vienna Regulator-styled wall clock that is an obvious marriage. The ornate dial certainly does not belong to this style of case, the pendulum is unusually short and it is missing its bottom finials.

By way of comparison, this is how a movement should look like in a similar case.

Mauthe Vienna style wall clock

It annoys me when I see things like this and I have little sympathy for people who fall for this kind of deception. Do your research!

Tempus Fugit means “time flies”

What is most amusing is the description which says “There is a name on it I believe it says JEMLAUS FUOITE. I did try to take a picture of the name.” It actually says Tempus Fugit or Time Flies but I had to laugh.

Dealing with antique stores – a rant

Let me begin by saying that I love antique stores and I spend a considerable amount of time in them. While I don’t always buy, if I  see something I try to get a fair price. Browsing through the aisles looking for that unique, one of a kind item can be a very satisfying experience.

I was in a local antique shop the other day and I was impressed at the number of antique clocks offered for sale but the prices were, in my view, way out of line.

For example, a Gilbert Admiral time-only wall clock, that I bought in the fall of 2019 for a fraction of the $300 the store wanted was missing its decorative pendulum and was not running. $150 is a fair price with the original pendulum but at $300 it will stay on the wall of this shop for a long time. So, naturally, I passed on it.

Continue reading “Dealing with antique stores – a rant” →

E N Welch Cottage Extra servicing Part II – cleaning, bushing and testing

E N Welch 8-day cottage clock
E N Welch 8-day cottage clock

This rather plain, box-like 8-day hour strike Rosewood veneered shelf clock is up for servicing. This is Part II of a two-part series. Go to Part I to read my notes and observations while disassembling the movement and the initial steps required to bring the clock to running condition.

The movement is in reasonably good condition but not without issues. It was running prior to cleaning (though not a full 8-day cycle) so I did not expect any further running issues after servicing and my principal goal was that it would run the full 8-day cycle.

I always take a number of photographs when I disassemble a movement. It is much easier than making diagrams and notes and best for future reference particularly when photos are archived.

Continue reading “E N Welch Cottage Extra servicing Part II – cleaning, bushing and testing” →

E N Welch Cottage Extra servicing Part 1 – assessment

E N Welch 8-day cottage clock
E N Welch 8-day cottage clock

This rather plain, box-like 8-day hour strike shelf clock is up for servicing. I wrote about first impressions in Sept 2019 and said at that time that the clock is in reasonably good condition, runs well, but needs a good cleaning.

Continue reading “E N Welch Cottage Extra servicing Part 1 – assessment” →

A veneer repair can make a difference on a Seth Thomas shelf clock

A small piece of veneer is missing from the bezel of this Seth Thomas shelf clock

Among the most respected and prolific American clockmakers is the Seth Thomas Clock Co. of America. Every collector I know has at least one Seth Thomas clock in their collection.

My modest collection consists of six Seth Thomas clocks representing several styles, all unique and from the period 1865 to 1930.

This is a Seth Thomas time and hour strike large round top (model name or number unknown) made in the 1870s. For first impressions of this clock, go here.

Seth Thomas round top shelf clock, veneer missing top left of the door frame

This shelf clock was purchased at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors conference in Springfield Ma. in June of 2019.

The clock case is in such remarkable condition it would be a shame to ignore that one small blemish and once you see the missing veneer the eye is always drawn to it

The clock measures 15 inches in height, 10 inches wide at the base and 4 inches deep. The attractive Rosewood veneered case has a mirrored rectangular lower tablet. The grain of the Brazilian Rosewood is bold and nicely textured. However, a sliver of the veneer is missing between the 9 and 12 o’clock position of the dial bezel which, in my view, is repairable. My wife did not notice this until I pointed it out.

A previous owner attempted to hide the missing veneer by tinting the exposed area.

Continue reading “A veneer repair can make a difference on a Seth Thomas shelf clock” →

The Maritime Association of Watch and Clock Collectors – Join Today

polishing a pivot
If you live in the Maritimes provinces of Canada and are keenly interested in vintage and antique clock and watch collecting and repair this will be of interest to you.

On November 2-3, 2019 the Maritime Association of Watch and Clock Collectors held its inaugural meeting. Five members came together from various parts of the Maritimes to meet in Prince Edward Island (Canada) to form a club of like-minded individuals.

After months of planning and discussions in preparation for the inaugural 2-day meeting the response from all present was very positive

Although the skill level varied among participants, all who attended have a keen interest in horology and are willing to share their knowledge and experiences with others.

A educational component of the meeting, a lesson in bushing
A educational component of the meeting, a lesson in bushing

After months of planning and discussions in preparation for the inaugural 2-day meeting the response from all present was very positive.

Demonstration of the cleaning of a mainspring
Demonstration of the cleaning of a mainspring

The goal of this new group is to gather individuals from across the Maritime provinces (PEI, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) to share experiences, mentor each other, learn new techniques, provide opportunities to acquire clocks and watches and foster social interaction.

Inspecting an antique pocket watch
Inspecting an antique pocket watch

During our first meeting we discussed the name of the new association. We also discussed the format of our meetings, the venue, whether it be in one location or throughout the Maritimes, the frequency of meetings, outreach through social media, resource books, the training component within our meetings and what we can offer to each other both inside and outside our regular meetings.

A collection of clock movements in need of repair
A collection of clock movements in need of repair

We agreed that the new organization should be called MAWCC, the Maritime Association of Watch and Clock collectors. We agreed to no less than 2 meetings per year but that sub-groups would meet more frequently. At this point in time we are not affiliated with the NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors).

If you are from the Maritime region of Canada (Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia) and you have a keen interest or wish to advance your skills in horology and would like to  connect with like-minded individuals feel free to email me at ronjoiner@gmail.com.

10 weight driven clocks in my collection

Gustav Becker 2 weight clock

I am a big fan of weight driven clocks and will add them to my collection when time, opportunity and finances allow.

There are generally 2 categories of motive power for mechanical clocks. The energy required to run a clock is provided either by a spring or a weight. Most of my collection is spring-driven but 10 clocks are driven by weights and they represent the broad period from 1835 to 1996.

here are some interesting facts about my ten weight driven clocks:

  • Eight are American,
  • Two are Austro-German,
  • Three are Ogee style,
  • Five are thirty-hour or one-day,
  • Two are column style
  • One is woodworks, and
  • Three have deadbeat escapements with maintaining power

Rather than describe each one I will let the photos (with captions) speak for themselves.

Continue reading “10 weight driven clocks in my collection” →

Will antique clock prices go up or down in 2020?

About three years ago I wrote a piece on clock prices. At that time antique and vintage clock prices had taken a tumble. Where are we now? Have things changed in 2020? Are antique and vintage clock prices going up or down? Is this the time to buy or sell?

Let me come quickly to the point. Anyone who shops today for an antique or vintage clock is well aware that the clock market has been depressed for quite some time and continues on a downward spiral.

Follow me as I explore how clock prices are set, factors that affect the sale of a clock and the reasons why prices are dropping.

Two very desirable clocks from the American Clock and Watch Museum, Bristol Conn.
Informed buyers always make much better choices
30-hour Ogee shelf clocks, as nice as this one, can be found for a lot less than you think

Pricing is as volatile as it was three years ago. The pricing of a clock on an online site or a paper ad is just as murky and as confusing as ever. There is no true “standard” pricing for any vintage or antique clock. As with most objects, there is a price range that most would consider reasonable.

How are prices set?

Sellers use a number of metrics to set prices;

Continue reading “Will antique clock prices go up or down in 2020?” →

Translate my blog – the widget returns

It is time to write my blog
Kienzle World Time clock
Kienzle World Time clock

This blog is intended for those who have an interest in horology and more specifically, antique and vintage mechanical clocks, both collecting and repair.

For some reason the translate widget was dropped when I migrated to a new template this past year, so here it is again. It is the very first widget on the right of the page.

My blog reaches over 100 countries in the world. In many of those countries English is not the main language.

In an effort to continue to reach a wider audience I have re-installed the widget that will permit you, the reader, to read my blog articles in the language of your choice.

En un esfuerzo por llegar a un público más amplio, instalé un nuevo widget que le permitirá a usted, el lector, leer los artículos de mi blog en el idioma que elija
Afin de toucher un public plus large, j’ai installé un nouveau widget qui vous permettra, en tant que lecteur, de lire les articles de mon blog dans la langue de votre choix
Um ein breiteres Publikum zu erreichen, habe ich ein neues Widget installiert, mit dem Sie als Leser meine Blog-Artikel in der Sprache Ihrer Wahl lesen können

Click “Translate My Blog” on the upper right side of each page.

Are clocks temperamental? Is my one-weight Vienna Regulator moody?

Between the plates Vienna Regulator

Every now and then a clock is temperamental. I am not talking about the signs of wear that will certainly stop a clock but occasionally it is serviced, everything looks good but it is downright cantankerous. Anyone who has 400-day anniversary clocks knows exactly what I mean. Are clocks moody?

I relocated my unmarked Vienna Regulator one-weight (time-only) wall clock from one room to another and it decided to stop, just like that! A push of the pendulum and 10 minutes or two hours later, it stops. Normally when a clock is moved and level is confirmed (and the movement in beat) it happily ticks along but not this time. Is my Vienna Regulator moody?

It is one of my favourite clocks and I wanted it to run.

one-weight Vienna wall clock
Miniature one-weight Vienna wall clock

Some might call it a mini Vienna Regulator others might call it just small. It is 34 inches long 4.75 inches deep and 11 inches at the widest point and 8.5 inches at the waist. Time-only Vienna Regulators are my absolute favourite. They are simple and usually very reliable.

Continue reading “Are clocks temperamental? Is my one-weight Vienna Regulator moody?” →

Sessions electric table clock, model 3W

Back of clock showing patent dates, CSA decal, adjustment knob and cord
Sessions 3W electric table clock
Sessions 3W electric table clock

Though my collection consists of mechanical clocks exclusively, now there is an exception, a vintage Sessions electric table clock, model 3W with sweep second hand, made, of course, by the Sessions Clock Co. Forestville, Connecticut in 1936 and sold in Canada (a Canadian Standards Approval sticker is on the back).

Also on the back, it states that it consumes 2.5 watts, They couldn’t call it model 2.5! It was probably a very affordable clock in its day and available almost anywhere.

At 4 1/2 inches tall and 8 1/4 inches wide, it would fit on any countertop, bookcase etc. although because it lacks an alarm it would not be a bedside table clock. There is only one control in the rear, a push-and-twist-in knob that sets the time. Pretty simple!

Back of clock showing patent dates, CSA decal, adjustment knob and cord
Back of clock showing patent dates, CSA decal, adjustment knob and cord

It arrived with a missing plug, a detached minute hand and a finish that was almost completely worn off but the convex glass, face, brass bezel and motor are all in very good condition.

Continue reading “Sessions electric table clock, model 3W” →

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