Visiting any clock museum is always an interesting and engaging experience. On our way from Boston to Springfield Ma. to attend the NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors) Convention 2019 we stopped in a small community called Grafton and in that community is the Willard House and Clock Museum one of the foremost … More The Willard House and Clock Museum
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 and my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump … More Tick Talk Tuesday #21 – What is my Ansonia schoolhouse clock worth?
Although I did not buy any clocks during my trip to the west here are examples of what you might find in some of the better quality antique shops. The three shops these clocks are from are located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Let the photos speak for themselves. captions identify some of the … More Antique clock shopping experience
Searching for a weight driven time-only banjo clock can be a challenge and acquiring an authentic example would go a long way to completing my collection. Securing an authentic Willard would certainly be the icing on the cake. The style was widely copied by other members of the Willard family of clock makers and many … More The quest for an authentic banjo clock
Reader EW asked me if I wanted a second Westclox LaSalle 61C alarm clock. Yes, I said, of course. I was advised of the condition of the clock beforehand so there was no surprise when it arrived in the mail. The important distinction between my clock and the new arrival is that the new one … More 2 Westclox LaSalle 61C clocks combined to make one working clock
I have worked on several Gilbert clocks in the past few months which is unusual for me. Certain makes of clocks seem to come in bunches. This clock is a 6 column time and strike antique Gilbert mantel clock made in 1913, and reflects a period when every American maker had a similar style. Some … More Gilbert 6 column mantel clock
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
I have an upstairs office in my home where I work on most of my clocks. I also have a small workshop in my basement where I work on clock cases; gluing, painting, reconstruction and other odd jobs. In the spring of this year (2019) my wife asked me how many clocks are running in … More Clocks running in my office – a short video
And now for the exciting conclusion. This is Part II of a two part series. Part one covers the first three steps in renewing a Seth Thomas clock dial. In this, Part II, the decorative design is restored on the corners. Inpainting is the process of reconstructing lost or deteriorated parts of a clock dial. … More Inpainting a Seth Thomas clock dial – Part II
This is Part I of a two part series. Part one covers the first three steps in renewing a Seth Thomas clock dial. In Part II the decorative corner design is restored. Inpainting is the process of reconstructing lost or deteriorated parts of a clock dial. In the museum world, in the case of a … More Inpainting a Seth Thomas clock dial – Part 1
I have worked on Gilbert movements previously and each one has slight differences. This one has a rod gong with two striking hammers. Disassembly was routine but required the removal of some parts to separate the plates. The Gilbert Clock Company began making clocks in December of 1828 and produced clocks over a span of … More Gilbert 2038 tambour clock with Normandy Chime – servicing the movement
Among common parlour clocks you will find few EN Welch clocks. There is a good reason for this. The company was absorbed by the Sessions Clock Company in 1903 so any Welch clock is 115 years old and older. This E N Welch time and strike parlour clock is the Whittier model. The clock was … More E N Welch clock and why helper springs are important
Clock collectors usually pride themselves in having at least one Gustav Becker (GB) clock in their collection. I have just one but I am always on the lookout for another. Becker clocks are not difficult to identify and date. Along with a maker’s stamp, serial numbers on the clock movements identify the year of manufacture. … More Gustav Becker 2-weight Vienna Regulator wall clock – 3 years later
Has my 90 year old Gilbert clock been running continuously since it was first purchased? Not likely. Okay, you’ve made the plunge. For whatever reason you bought that mechanical clock you always wanted. Ask yourself; this is a 100 year old clock and it has been running all this time so what more do I … More How long has my clock been running?
Time to relax with a few good books, clock books, of course It is time to take a little break. I typically maintain a steady output of 7 to 9 clock themed articles per month. A number of articles have been prepared in advance of the summer months which means that there will be NO … More Taking a summer clock break
July 1 is the national day of Canada the effective date of the Constitution Act of 1867 then called the British North American Act. This year we celebrate 152 years as a nation. Canada Day is often informally referred to as “Canada’s birthday”. Celebratory events take place on July 1. Most communities across the country … More Monday, July 1 is Canada Day
This post explores buying tips for novice antique clock buyers. Those looking for an antique clock in general rather than a specific type or model of an antique mechanical clock will find the following tips very useful. Vintage versus antique According to the United States Government publications, the term “antique” is reserved for valuables that … More Buying an antique clock – how to
In Part I, I wrote why I collect, repair and restore clocks. In this, Part II are 9 reasons why clock collecting and repair is a great hobby for just about anyone. 9 Reasons why clock collecting and repair is a great hobby
This is Part I of a two part series. In Part I, I will discuss why I collect, repair and restore clocks. In Part II are 9 reasons why clock collecting and repair is a great hobby for just about anyone.
This unknown American antique wall clock is on display and for sale in an antique shop. Why the lopsided dial? Not a good way to sell a clock. The seller wants $450 for this clock but will they get a serious offer?
I have been using the Rowling theme from WordPress for the last two years and thought it was time for a change. The new look is the Gateway theme. Let me know if you like it or if I can improve upon it.
I discovered this wall clock in an antique store in Victoria, British Columbia and the store shall remain nameless to protect the guilty. I have been on the lookout for a calendar clock and from a distance it looked like this was it. As I neared I realized that what I was looking at was … More Suspicious Pequegnat clock found in antique store
This is the only true gingerbread clock I have in my collection, temporarily. By this summer (2019) it will be returned to a family relation. Can you get this thing working, my sister said? Sure, I said. Grand Assortment is an odd name for a Sessions clock, I said. The name certainly lacks imagination, but … More Sessions Grand Assortment #3 gingerbread clock
Mechanical clocks do not last forever and every now and then a movement should be inspected for wear and to address any other issues if required. A cycle of 2-4 years is a good rule for checking on the health of your mechanical clock. In the case of this clock perhaps 5 years is a … More Arthur Pequegnat Brandon II wall clock – inspecting for wear
I discovered this sad case in an antique shop near my home. What was once a gingerbread clock is now a repainted case with shelves at the ridiculous price of $35. Just a few steps away was a similar parlour clock for only $20 more and it was largely intact. Some would argue that a … More What a shame! – a clock disaster
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
You must be logged in to post a comment.