Category: New Haven

How to Service an Open Mainspring Without a Spring Winder – Step-by-Step Guide

August 2, 2024

In a previous article on servicing this clock, I mentioned the challenge I faced with the mainspring. With only minimal tools at my disposal and no spring winder, I was determined to find a solution and successfully service the mainspring. This clock was manufactured by New Haven and boasts a classic design with a twelve-inch … More How to Service an Open Mainspring Without a Spring Winder – Step-by-Step Guide

Challenges of DIY Antique Clock Repair with Minimal Tools | Lessons and Limitations

July 30, 2024

My collection of wall clocks includes several schoolhouse models and I am continually impressed by their resilience despite their age. While many of these clocks spent their lives in school rooms, some ended up in commercial establishments and offices, often neglected until they stopped working. I’ve seen clocks with bushing holes so enlarged it’s a … More Challenges of DIY Antique Clock Repair with Minimal Tools | Lessons and Limitations

New Haven schoolhouse clock | The case is in poor condition but what about the movement?

July 26, 2024

Accepting the schoolhouse clock as a restoration project, I was prepared for the inevitable wear and tear it had endured over time. Despite its condition, I wondered what it would look like if the case was rejuvenated. Decisions, decisions. My collection of wall clocks includes several schoolhouse models and I am continually impressed by their … More New Haven schoolhouse clock | The case is in poor condition but what about the movement?

A Collection of Antique Clocks at Our Summer Refuge

July 12, 2024

My collection of clocks is divided between my home in Nova Scotia and our cottage in Central Canada. Part of my collection is there because I am not the type of person who abandons a hobby; I make it a part of my everyday life. Although not an even split, about 15% of the collection … More A Collection of Antique Clocks at Our Summer Refuge

The Steeple Clock – function combines with design

February 23, 2024

A steeple clock is a type of clock designed to resemble a miniature church steeple or spire. This style of clock is often characterized by its tall and narrow structure. These clocks gained popularity in the mid-19th century and were often produced in various styles. The design was influenced by the Gothic Revival architecture that … More The Steeple Clock – function combines with design

Relocating a unique New Haven kit clock

January 9, 2024

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

My clock says 31 days – what does that mean?

November 28, 2023

Dropping in Facebook Marketplace from time to time is interesting because there’s always the possibility that an unknowing seller might list an antique clock without realizing its true value. Occasionally, I strike gold, however, the majority of listings mainly feature commonplace antique clocks, alongside an overwhelming abundance of quartz-driven ones. On any typical day, it’s … More My clock says 31 days – what does that mean?

A gifted clock is always appreciated

August 1, 2023

During my visit to a fellow enthusiast of antique and vintage clocks, I was graciously presented with a complimentary schoolhouse clock. Although I wasn’t anticipating it to be in pristine condition, I gladly accepted the schoolhouse clock as a project, knowing that it would require some restoration work. I own multiple wall clocks, among them … More A gifted clock is always appreciated

Taking a look at this Ansonia cotteg clockwith the dial off

Clocks at our summer retreat

July 25, 2023

At our seasonal cottage located in central Canada, we enjoy displaying a small selection of clocks, during the summer months. The first clock, displayed for a number of years, was a Danial Dakota time and strike clock, which we had converted to a quartz movement. This clock, originating from the 1960s, incorporated Chinese design elements … More Clocks at our summer retreat

Jerome & Co Rose cottage clock – the case is a mess but the movement is interesting

May 31, 2022

I have a number of cottage clocks and they all seem to have one thing in common, they have lived hard lives and this one is no exception. They had the cheapest of movements, the cheapest of cases, and could be purchased for almost nothing but many have not survived and that’s too bad. This … More Jerome & Co Rose cottage clock – the case is a mess but the movement is interesting

Best clock acquisition of 2021

January 5, 2022

The time has come to determine the best clock acquisition of the past year. As a clock hobbyist, I have had little difficulty locating interesting clocks over the years, and despite the seemingly never-ending pandemic, I have scored a few in 2021 though the past year has been leaner than most. In the early days … More Best clock acquisition of 2021

New Haven hall clock – Restoring the case

October 21, 2021

I found the clock on an online for sale site in the spring of 2021 and contacted the seller the same day. When I saw the sellers photos my first thought was that it was pretty reasonably priced for a hall clock, known by many as a grandfather clock. I decided to take a chance, … More New Haven hall clock – Restoring the case

Tick Talk Tuesday #36 – a tall case clock is transformed

October 12, 2021

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 or my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump … More Tick Talk Tuesday #36 – a tall case clock is transformed

Hall clock mystery is solved

September 17, 2021

Welcome back. The mystery is solved! In the spring of 2021 I responded to an ad on a local online for sale site for what appeared to be an antique hall clock. It was inexpensive and I now know why. The seller bought it 20 years ago and in the midst of downsizing it had … More Hall clock mystery is solved

George H. Clark 30 hour movement

30-hour clocks in my collection – a complete list

September 7, 2021

While I have over 85 clocks in my collection twelve are 30-hour or one-day clocks. One of the twelve is a relatively modern clock. The history of mass-produced clocks in America began in the 1820s and 1830s with 30-hour clocks that had woodworks movements. While the clock business was booming with many companies selling clocks … More 30-hour clocks in my collection – a complete list

Jerome & Co. round top shelf clock – first impressions

September 22, 2019

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

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New Haven Sharp Gothic (Steeple) clock – Part II – a poor solder repair is the culprit

August 19, 2019

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

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New Haven Sharp Gothic (Steeple) clock – Part I – history unearthed

August 14, 2019

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