A Practical Journey with an Unwanted Upright Piano

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

Best clock acquisition of 2022

Well, it’s that time of the year. What is my best clock acquisition of the past year? You can decide for yourself and leave a comment but I will reveal my favorite at the end of the post. As a clock hobbyist, I have had little difficulty locating interesting clocks and every year I have … More Best clock acquisition of 2022

30-hour Welch Marine clock loses 10 minutes per hour

Ten minutes per hour! That is slow. American-made spring driven clocks are poor timekeepers and if yours loses or gains a minute or two a week that is just about the best you can expect. After having worked on the case a few months ago it is past time to work on the movement. The … More 30-hour Welch Marine clock loses 10 minutes per hour

E. N. Welch marine style 30 hour wall clock

Marine movements were in high demand by the 1850s as boat and rail traffic increased. The marine movement is a specific type that does not have a pendulum. Pendulum clocks do not work on a ship or train because they require a stable base. A marine clock has either a balance wheel or lever escapement … More E. N. Welch marine style 30 hour wall clock

If it says Regulator on your clock it is likely NOT a Regulator?

A century ago, clock manufacturers understood the power of marketing, and the word “Regulator” became a key tool in their strategy to boost sales. By simply labeling a clock with “Regulator,” they could make it appear more precise and desirable, even if it wasn’t a true regulator. But did this marketing gimmick work? Let’s take … More If it says Regulator on your clock it is likely NOT a Regulator?

Don’t throw those old clock parts away

Don’t throw that old clock case or movement away. In this article, I will describe how I repurpose/reuse an old ogee clock case and how saving those old clock parts will come in handy someday. Some time ago I responded to an ad on our local online for-sale site from an individual who had four … More Don’t throw those old clock parts away

Pendulum bob weight – should it make a difference?

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.

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

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

E N Welch Cottage Extra servicing Part 1 – assessment

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.