How Common Are Brass Mainsprings in Clocks?

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?

Hamilton Clock Co. ogee – a dull and tired case needs help

Should antique clock cases be refinished or rejuvenated? It can be a judgement call. I am all for patina and preserving an old clock case but there are times when certain amount of intervention is practical from an aesthetics and resale point of view. There is a certain philosophical argument among collectors who believe on … More Hamilton Clock Co. ogee – a dull and tired case needs help

Circa 1845 Chauncey Jerome Ogee Clock

An ogee clock is so-called because it is a 19th century U.S. shelf clock with a distinctive S-curve (convex above and concave below) molding. 30-hour ogee clocks were very popular from the early 1840s to as late as the 1890s, a good run for a distinctive style of clock. Before the days of the Internet, … More Circa 1845 Chauncey Jerome Ogee Clock

30-hour clocks in my collection – a complete list

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

Sperry and Shaw 4 column clock back on the bench

The turned 4 columns of the New York style Sperry and Shaw clock drew my attention because it is so unlike many of the 30-hour shelf clocks of the time. This clock was made between 1844 and 1851 when Henry Sperry and George Shaw were in the clock business together. The label, which is in … More Sperry and Shaw 4 column clock back on the bench

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

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

30-hour clocks – four for your consideration

These three 30 hour clocks in the opening photo were serviced in the fall of 2018. The fourth (shown next) is a Waterbury Ogee from about 1870. It was never my intention to collect 30-hour clocks but I am attracted to this style of clock. Thousands were made, they are surprisingly cheap and come up … More 30-hour clocks – four for your consideration

Chauncey Jerome 30 hour Ogee – a 156 year old American clock that is a tribute to the man himself

I bought four wonderful clocks at an estate auction several weeks ago, this and three other Ogee clocks plus a parlour clock. This clock is no less interesting than the other three but I was lucky enough to research its maker and date the manufacture to within a year or two. Noble Jerome’s invention showed … More Chauncey Jerome 30 hour Ogee – a 156 year old American clock that is a tribute to the man himself