Elisha Manross, though less commonly known compared to American clockmakers such as Seth Thomas, New Haven, or Waterbury, played a significant role in the development of Connecticut clocks. In his book American Shelf and Wall Clocks Robert Ball listed Elisha Manross as being in business from 1827 -1849. He was a prolific clockmaker and produced … More How Common Are Brass Mainsprings in Clocks?
Jauch had ties to one of the oldest clock-maker families in the Black Forest. The Gerbrueder Jauch company, known for manufacturing hall, wall, and mantel clocks, faced challenges in late 1979 due to export restrictions, ultimately leading to bankruptcy in 1986. Renowned for providing affordable yet attractive clocks for average households, Gerbrueder Jauch GmbH produced … More Thrift Shop Treasure for $1.65 – will it sell for more!
The belief that bad luck happens in threes is a common folk belief that suggests that if you experience one bad event or stroke of bad luck, two more are likely to follow in quick succession. While this adage is not grounded in any scientific or empirical evidence, it has persisted for years. In this … More Trouble Strikes Thrice: The Notion of Bad Luck in Threes
Assessing the quality of mantel clocks, whether American or German, involves considering various factors such as craftsmanship, materials used, design, and overall reliability. Both American and German manufacturers have a rich history in clockmaking, and each has its own unique characteristics. In my collection, I’ve assembled a diverse array of clocks, featuring both American and … More A tale of two mantel clocks – German vs American engineering
Clock repairers depend on reputable suppliers for quality parts, tools, and accessories, ensuring durability and customer satisfaction. Trusted suppliers offer a diverse selection of compatible components, expert knowledge, timely delivery, and warranty support. Efficient logistics and ample stock levels from reliable suppliers benefit repairers with waiting customers. The suppliers mentioned below, none of whom sponsor … More Clock Repair Essentials: Trusted Suppliers for Quality Parts and Tools – a revisit
Seth Thomas is a well-known American clock manufacturer with a long history, and they produced a variety of clock movements over the years. The Type 89 movement is one of the many clock movements produced by Seth Thomas over the years. This type was made between 1900 and 1938. I acquired this mantel clock during … More Seth Thomas type 89 movement servicing
My apologies for the wordplay in the title. I recently encountered an issue with the striking mechanism in a German clock I’m currently repairing, and in this article, I would like to describe my experience with the repair. I have to admit it is a frustrating problem that could have been a disaster but I … More Disaster strikes a Junghans movement
People often ask me about the value of their mechanical clock(s), but the reality is, that many of them turn out to be either common mantel clocks, clocks made in China, or clocks that have little resale value. Of course, there is the odd gem! Expressing that the clock may not be worth as much … More The awkward task of telling someone the true value of a Common Clock
I stumbled upon this Arthur Pequegnat Moncton in an antique store located in Bloomfield, Ontario, Canada during a visit in 2018. Certain wall clocks from the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Co., which operated in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, between 1904 and 1941, are rare finds, making this particular piece appealing. The company, initially founded as Saas & … More A Close Look at the Arthur Pequegnat Moncton Wall Clock
During the winter months, I teach part-time in a justice program at our local community college. The other day, I had a former student visit this blog and she commented on her admiration for one of my clocks, specifically a time and strike crystal regulator by Ansonia. Thanks, Cate for allowing me the opportunity to … More Is this a four-glass clock or a crystal regulator
For years, my wife and I have been on the hunt for an elusive Arthur Pequegnat Hall clock, a prized possession among Canadian collectors. Recently, I stumbled upon what seemed like the jackpot—a seemingly authentic piece advertised for a mere $100. However, as I explored the deal further, doubts crept in, casting a shadow over … More Relocating a unique New Haven kit clock
Antique wall clocks hold sentimental and aesthetic value, and preserving them often requires delicate restoration work. Purchasing replacement glass and securing it to a frame is one such restoration project. Securing glass to the bezel of an antique clock can be achieved in several ways. It can be secured with tacks or clips or in … More Securing Clock Glass to a wood Bezel with Plaster of Paris: An easy Step-by-Step Guide
One clock that holds a special meaning and one that I would like to add to my collection someday is the Arthur Pequegnat Regulator #1, a single-weight eight-day clock. This clock is truly a rare find, though the prices I’ve encountered thus far are a bit steep for my budget. The Arthur Pequegnat Story The … More Regulator #1 by Arthur Pequegnat
What to do with an inactive clock? Having a clock serviced and letting it sit without running for long periods can have varying effects, influenced by factors like the environment it’s in. If the clock is stored in a clean, dust-free, and controlled humidity setting, it may require less frequent running. Considerations such as the … More Care for inactive antique/vintage clocks
The Seth Thomas Clock Company, renowned for its long history dating back to the early 19th century, produced a variety of clock movements over the years, and among them is the Type 89 movement found in this clock. Despite the absence of a specific year stamp, the clock’s design and construction suggest a manufacturing date … More A Vintage Seth Thomas Clock with a peculiar veneered case
For 27 years, a piano made in Montreal, Canada in 1911 occupied a silent corner of our living room, a relic of bygone days. Years ago we inherited the piano when my wife’s parents downsized from their larger home to a smaller one. They did not want it then and we do not want it … More A Practical Journey with an Unwanted Upright Piano
In the heart of North End Halifax, on December 6, 1917, a Junghans Crispi clock fell off a wall in a house on Princess Court. Unbeknownst to it, this simple clock would become a silent witness to one of the worst man-made disasters in Canadian history – the Halifax Explosion. As the Belgian relief ship … More Honouring History, One Tick at a Time – the Halifax Explosion Dec 6, 1917
In this post, I describe an unusual issue when relocating my mini Vienna Regulator clock. Out of all my clocks, this one tends to be the most sensitive when I move it to a different location in my home. I’ve previously shared my experiences with this clock because it’s not the first time I’ve encountered … More The Quirky Charm of a Vienna Regulator Clock
In the past two weeks, my focus has been directed towards the servicing of a Junghans roundtop mantel clock. This particular time and strike mantel clock is the Hunsruck model manufactured in the second half of 1913 (stamped B13 on the rear plate). For first impressions and background information about the clock itself, you can … More Junghans round-top mantel clock – wrapping up servicing
Every time I climb the stairs to the upper level of our residence, I find myself in awe of the clock perched on the landing. Crafted in 1848, it likely ticked away the hours for years in an upper-middle-class Scottish household, possibly owned by a farmer or landholder. These old tall case clocks, which were … More A running mechanical clock in a hotel lobby – now that’s something you don’t see every day
Life is not perfect. Why should our antique clocks be any different? As we grow older, our possessions undergo a similar transformation. Just as aging imparts a unique character to metal through oxidation and rust, the term “patina” extends beyond its common association with metallic items to antique objects generally. It encapsulates the idea that … More In the race to perfection we forgot about patina
Last week I began working on a Junghans round top mantel clock. For first impressions and background information about the clock itself, you can find the article here. During this segment of the maintenance process, my attention will be focused on the mainsprings. Upon my initial assessment, it appeared that the movement was found to … More Junghans round-top mantel clock – servicing the mainsprings
During my recent exploration of Facebook Marketplace, I came across many clocks at a variety of price points. It was no surprise to find many options, ranging from reasonably priced ones to some that seemed somewhat overpriced. The listings included quartz mantel clocks from the 1970s and 80s, vintage Chinese clocks from the 60s, as … More Thoughts on the Online Antique Clock Market: Tips for Smart Buyers
I first wrote about this clock in April 2023 after having won it at auction. With so many other projects on the go, I can finally allocate time to focus on servicing this captivating German time and strike mantel clock. The 1915 Junghans catalog identifies the clock as the Hunsruck, named after a mountain range … More Junghans round top mantel clock servicing
Here are three commonly cited reasons for eliminating the cursed Daylight Savings Time convention: One of the main arguments against daylight saving time is its impact on human health. The abrupt shift in the clock can disrupt people’s sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation and increased stress. Studies have shown a rise in heart attacks, … More Three arguments for eliminating Daylight Savings Time
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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