Tag: antique clock

Aunt Theresa’s mantel clock

Hamburg American Clock Company time and strike

My wife’s aunt lives in a quaint home near a small town in the south of Ireland. During our recent visit to Ireland we were invited to her home, had tea and cake and had a long talk about family history.

While there I was asked to take a look at the family clock which had not been running for a number of years. Aunt Theresa and her husband (now deceased) received the clock from his brother, an amateur antique collector, many years ago.

HAC’s are good quality movements with well-made cases

The clock is an attractive and somewhat large 6-column Victorian-style 14-day time and strike mantel clock with Roman Numeral dial made by the Hamburg American Clock Company. It is model #1902 probably made on or about that date. Hamburg American clocks are known for good quality movements with well-made cases.

I will take a look at it, I said, but without my tools, there is not much I could do. I wound both arbours and determined that the mainsprings had plenty of power. I gave the pendulum a push and immediately observed that there was power going to the escapement but there was an uneven tick-tock, so, the clock was out of beat. I propped up one side of the clock sufficiently to find the correct beat and it not only ran but dutifully struck on the half-hour. It works!

In the clock case was a note.

A note found inside the case

The note said,

Tried getting the clock to go on 22nd Sept ’92- worked at pendulum for a long time. I think the clock was too tightly wound. On morning of 23rd Sept, started pendulum again and it’s going since. The clock has not chimed yet. 6th Oct 92 gave the clock a small wind up as it had stopped

I admire aunt Theresa’s tenacity but the clock refused to run after the second winding way back in 1992, 27 years ago.

Time and strike movement with coiled gong

Here is what I discovered about the Hamburg American Clock Company.

In 1875, Paul Landenberger together with his partner, Philipp Lang, founded the Landenberger & Lang clock factory and although he had taken some know-how with him from Junghans (a noted German clockmaker), the company was bankrupt by 1882/1883. It was converted to a stockholding firm and with new investors, the company was re-named Hamburg-Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik (Hamburg-American clock factory).

The name might suggest that they had American made movements but that is far from the case. Hamburg is in the name because that is where the investors came from and “Amerikanische” referred to the movements which were made according to the “new” American mass-production methods.

Among clocks circles, the company is simply known as HAC.

Nice label with model number above

The familiar crossed arrows trademark mark found on the coiled gong was registered in 1891. The “Lux” trademark, which this clock does not have, was added in 1905 so, it places this clock between those years. Model #1902 might even suggest the year it was made. Junghans eventually gained influence over the company and by 1930 was able to take over HAC completely.

The good news is that the clock runs and that there is nothing fundamentally wrong with it but after all these years it needs a good servicing and that means disassembly and cleaning by a qualified clock repair person.

Gilbert Admiral calendar clock – servicing the movement and refreshing the case

Gilbert Admiral calendar clock ready for servicing

When I bought this clock I was not sure what I had. There is no label, no makers name on the dial and an unsigned movement. I thought, Gilbert or perhaps a Sessions? It did not take me long to find out that the clock is a No. 3027 Gilbert, otherwise known as the Admiral.

Continue reading “Gilbert Admiral calendar clock – servicing the movement and refreshing the case” →

Gilbert Admiral schoolhouse clock – first look

Gilbert calendar clock movement
Gilbert Schoolhouse clock

When I bought this clock I was not sure what I had. There is no label, no makers name on the dial and an unsigned movement. I thought, Gilbert, Sessions?

This clock was hanging on the wall of a local antique shop with no price. When I inquired the shop owner said that he just picked it up and had not decided on a price but he knew the clock had issues. The hands did not turn otherwise he said the clock ran fine. Something wrong in the motion works, I thought. It could be a simple fix or something more challenging. The brass dial bezel was secured with Robertson screws which told me that the clock had been messed with.

My wife said go for it, it’s about time for another clock project. I offered a price and he agreed but I walked away wondering what surprises awaited me.

Continue reading “Gilbert Admiral schoolhouse clock – first look” →

Destroying the past is not something new

Seth Thomas column and cornice shelf clock
Junghans Crispi time and strike wall clock
Junghans Crispi time and strike wall clock; my oldest daughter has her name on this one
“I have a sterling silver collection”, she said, “that my son will melt down and sell for cash” once I am gone

My sister, who is a couple of years younger and “was” an avid antique collector, remarked the other day that she has stopped collecting antiques. Why, I asked. There is no one to leave them to and no one to appreciate them, she replied. “I have a sterling silver collection”, she said, “that my son will melt down and sell for cash once I am gone”.

Continue reading “Destroying the past is not something new” →

American Clock and Watch Museum – a must-see for any clock enthusiast

Regulators and calendar clocks, lower level

During our stay in Springfield Ma. to attend a NAWCC annual clock convention in June 2019 we stopped in Bristol, Connecticut about 45 minutes drive south of Springfield. In Bristol, Connecticut is the American Clock and Watch Museum. The non-descript white clapboard New England styled salt-box is what first greets the visitor.

Although the museum is dedicated to American clock and watch makers it is a must see for any clock enthusiast

I admit I was a little disappointed after visiting the stately edifice of the NAWCC museum in Columbia, Pennsylvania but once I entered the side entrance door my disappointment evaporated. I was immediately impressed with the friendly and knowledgeable staff, the quality of the displays and the vast, well-organized collection of American clocks and watches. The following photos tell the story.

Continue reading “American Clock and Watch Museum – a must-see for any clock enthusiast” →

E. N. Welch large cottage clock – first look

Service record, 1983
E N Welch 8-day cottage clock
E N Welch 8-day cottage clock

When I attended the NAWCC Convention In June 2019 I bought this clock at the clock mart which is a unique opportunity to find that special clock among thousands offered for sale.

I have always equated E.N Welch with quality and this clock is no exception. I have one other Welch, the Whittier, a parlour clock, which is part of the “author” series, made in 1893. The seller knew nothing about this clock but it was attractive so I bought it.

8-day Welch movement with alarm
8-day Welch movement with alarm

In 1902 the E. N. Welch Clock Co. was absorbed by the Sessions Clock Company. E N Welch had a long and glorious history and are best known for their “Patti” series of fine clocks since Patti clocks are named after famous opera stars of the time. This clock was made well before reorganization in the mid-1890s when it began producing clocks that were less expensive to manufacture, like the Whittier that had wider appeal. This clock is from about 1875.

Continue reading “E. N. Welch large cottage clock – first look” →

Seth Thomas round top cottage clock

Seth Thomas round top
Seth Thomas round top shelf clock

Among the most respected American clockmakers is the Seth Thomas Clock Co. In my collection are 6 Seth Thomas clocks representing several styles all of which are unique representing the period between 1865 and 1930.

I acquired this clock at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors conference in Springfield Ma. in June of 2019.

Continue reading “Seth Thomas round top cottage clock” →

Jerome & Co. round top shelf clock – first impressions

Jerome and Co. round top shelf clock

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 and downs Chauncey able was able to maintain a viable clock business until 1868 but later died penniless.

Continue reading “Jerome & Co. round top shelf clock – first impressions” →

The Willard House and Clock Museum

Simon Willard
Simon Willard Museum, Grafton Mass.
Willard House and Clock Museum, Grafton Mass.

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 museums of its kind in America. The unassuming location on a quiet country road in a pastoral setting of fields and forest was a pleasant surprise. The museum was the home of Benjamin and then, Simon Willard, celebrated clockmaker and inventor. Born in 1753 Simon Willard spent his formative years in Grafton, later moving to Boston.

The Willard name may not be immediately recognizable outside the United States but he is regarded as important source of innovative design in the American clock industry.

The vast collection of clocks housed inside is surprising for the size of the museum. The collection ranges from Massachusetts shelf clocks, to tall-case and Willard’s famous banjo clocks.

Viewing room of the museum
Viewing room of the museum

Continue reading “The Willard House and Clock Museum” →

Tick Talk Tuesday #21 – What is my Ansonia schoolhouse clock worth?

Tick-Talk Tuesday
Ansonia clock project is complete
Ansonia schoolhouse clock
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 even me, I consult within my clock circles for the best possible answer

JM says, “I have an Ansonia Octagonal Schoolhouse clock dated 1878 exactly like the one featured here. I also have the pendulum and key. It’s in good working order, but I am looking to sell it. I don’t know its value. I paid $500 for it in 1975. It’s a darker wood, the face is in good condition, and the description label in the pendulum area is intact. What would you suggest for a sale price?”

My reply. “First of all, I am not an appraiser but I have several years experience buying and selling clocks.

Continue reading “Tick Talk Tuesday #21 – What is my Ansonia schoolhouse clock worth?” →

Antique clock shopping experience

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 clocks.

Trio of clocks, the middle one is a Grand Assortment by Sessions

Continue reading “Antique clock shopping experience” →

The quest for an authentic banjo clock

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 others clock-makers

I was fortunate to have seen several Willard banjo clocks during my visit to the Willard Museum in Grafton Mass. in June 2019.

Banjo clock, circa early 1800s, Macdonald Museum, Middleton, Nova Scotia. Notice the location of the winding arbour

Few American clock-makers at the beginning of the 18th century were innovative. One of the most notable achievements was the small 8-day, weight-driven clock developed by Simon Willard. The Willard clock is a uniquely American wall clock with a banjo-shaped case designed and constructed by Simon Willard. Willard was originally of Grafton, Massachusetts, later of Roxbury, Massachusetts, and patented his unique clock in 1802.

The Willard banjo clock has no striking mechanism and indicates time only by its hands and dial. It is correctly defined as a timepiece.

Continue reading “The quest for an authentic banjo clock” →

2 Westclox LaSalle 61C clocks combined to make one working 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 actually works. My LaSalle may have run at one time but not now. I can hear it briefly ticking but once placed on a flat surface it stops. There is not a lot wrong with it but it definitely requires a good cleaning and perhaps some bushing work.

Gee, our old LaSalle ran great….those were the days
                                                         Archie Bunker
Westclox alarm back of clock
Westclox alarm clock; winding keys and adjustments

The Westclox Clock Company is better known for various versions of Big Ben and Baby Ben windup alarm clocks produced from 1900 to the mid 1980s. But there were other windup models one of which is the Art Deco styled LaSalle series. Both of these clocks are the model 61-C (401) otherwise known as a Dura clock because they have nickel-plated, die-cast zinc cases made by The Dura Casting Corporation in the United States. There are 6 models in the LaSalle series and all use the Westclox type 61 Baby Ben, one day movement.

Continue reading “2 Westclox LaSalle 61C clocks combined to make one working clock” →

Gilbert 6 column mantel 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 parts of the case have an Adamantine finish but those particular areas are not in good shape.

A family relation asked me if I could get it running. Sure, I said.

Gilbert 6 column mantel clock,1913

History of the Gilbert Clock Company

The Gilbert Clock Company began making clocks in December of 1828 and produced clocks over a span of 130 years.

In 1837, John Birge joined the firm, and the name was changed to Birge, Gilbert, & Company. Shortly thereafter, Chauncey and Nobel Jerome and Zelotus Grant became partners with Gilbert, and in 1837 the company was know as Jerome, Grant, Gilbert, & Company. This company manufactured Jerome’s cheap brass-movement clocks.

Continue reading “Gilbert 6 column mantel clock” →

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

Lower tablet
New haven Gothic Steeple clock
New Haven Gothic Steeple 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. The clock is missing the tip of the right finial although it might be hard to tell from the photo. It measures 20 1/2 inches tall with a 5-inch dial. The movement appears to be original to the case.

Continue reading “New Haven Sharp Gothic (Steeple) clock – Part I – history unearthed” →

Clocks running in my office – a short video

Time zone clocks

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 my office at any given time. I said, “I’m not sure”.

I put together a video to show how busy my office can be. Someone (not my wife) asked me if the sounds of ticking clocks bothered me and my reply was, “I find the sounds very soothing”. Allow me to take you on a tour.

I hope you enjoyed the tour. Let me know if you have any general comments or ones you would like more information about.

Inpainting a Seth Thomas clock dial – Part II

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.

The Seth Thomas clock as found

Inpainting is the process of reconstructing lost or deteriorated parts of a clock dial. In the museum world, in the case of a valuable painting, this task would be carried out by a skilled art conservator or art restorer. Inpainting, as opposed to repainting and restoring the entire dial, addresses the degraded areas of the dial using a few simple techniques.

Inpainting is cost effective and can be done on the home work bench

Inpainting certainly does not meet the higher professional standards of a service such as The Dial House, which perform exemplary work but I will not have a dial professionally restored if the cost is twice what the clock is worth. There will always be occasions when a professional restoration is justifiable, however.

Inpainting is cost effective and can be done on the home work bench.

Continue reading “Inpainting a Seth Thomas clock dial – Part II” →

Inpainting a Seth Thomas clock dial – Part 1

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.

Seth Thomas column and cornice “Empire” style time and strike weight driven shelf clock, as found

Inpainting is the process of reconstructing lost or deteriorated parts of a clock dial. In the museum world, in the case of a valuable painting, this task would be carried out by a skilled art conservator or art restorer. Inpainting, as opposed to repainting and restoring the entire dial, renews the dial using a few simple techniques.

Some of the methods can be found in T. E. Temple’s excellent resource book entitled Extreme Restoration.

Continue reading “Inpainting a Seth Thomas clock dial – Part 1” →

Gilbert 2038 tambour clock with Normandy Chime – servicing the movement

Gilbert time and strike movement

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 130 years.

Gilbert tambour style clock model 2038

This is the model 2038 with a bim-bam strike or what Gilbert in its marketing called a Normandy Chime. The model number along with the words “Normandy Chime” are stamped on the bottom of the case. The “Normandy Chime” was reminiscent of the old bells of Normandy (Corneville) in France.

In terms of nomenclature within clock circles, calling it a “Chime” certainly adds to the confusion as this would be considered a striking clock rather than a chiming one.

Servicing the movement

Continue reading “Gilbert 2038 tambour clock with Normandy Chime – servicing the movement” →

E N Welch clock and why helper springs are important

Clock face in good condition

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.

E N Welch Parlour clock, The Whittier circa 1897

This E N Welch time and strike parlour clock is the Whittier model. The clock was made some years after Welch established its reputation as a quality clock manufacturer with the Patti series. The Whittier model represents a period from 1897 onward when Welch re-organized following a bankruptcy and produced well made but inexpensive clocks for the masses.

I located the clock in an antique store in Kazabazua, Quebec in 2016 while my wife and I were on a day trip from our summer cottage. The seller said the strike side did not work and we negotiated a lower price.

The clock ran for several days but despite adjustments I was unable to get the strike side to run correctly. The stop/warning lever and the count/lifting lever were intact, so, I was puzzled; it should run. Straightening the levers might solve the problem.

Continue reading “E N Welch clock and why helper springs are important” →

Gustav Becker 2-weight Vienna Regulator wall clock – 3 years later

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.

Gustav Becker wall clock

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. This clock was made in 1902 however, the original 1902 Braunau movement had too many missing parts and was replaced. It now has a “newer” Polish sourced Braunau movement from 1917.

Continue reading “Gustav Becker 2-weight Vienna Regulator wall clock – 3 years later” →

How long has my clock been running?

Has my 90 year old Gilbert clock been running continuously since it was first purchased? Not likely.
Gilbert time and strike mantel clock

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 need to do to take care of it. Why have it serviced or even oiled when it is running and striking as it should. The answer is complicated.

Continue reading “How long has my clock been running?” →

Taking a summer clock break

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 interruption in blog activity.

Continue reading “Taking a summer clock break” →

Monday, July 1 is Canada Day

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 will host organized celebrations for Canada Day, typically outdoor public events, such as parades, carnivals, festivals, barbecues, air and maritime shows, fireworks, and free musical concerts.

Prince of Wales parlour clock

Back when Canada was a young nation a small clock company known as the Canada Clock Company struggled to make its mark and produced some of the finest Canadian clocks that our country has ever seen. This is model called the Prince of Wales and it is a fitting tribute to this our nations birthday.

Buying an antique clock – how to

Rare Ingraham Huron found on a local online for-sale site

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 are over a century old. Webster’s dictionary defines an antique as a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at an earlier period and according to various customs laws at least 100 years ago. Wikipedia defines the word antique as applying to objects at least 100 years old.

Restored Seth Thomas antique column and cornice “Empire” style time and strike weight driven shelf clock circa 1865

According to eBay, vintage is a defined period from 1920 to 1969. The use of the word vintage in online auctions and elsewhere is becoming more and more like the word “rare”. Some may define “vintage” as anything that was purchased less than 24 hours ago, is dirty and worn, or looks like it might be old if you know nothing about its history. Sellers often do not know anything about what they are selling and often describe the item as “vintage”.

Arthur Pequegnat Canadian Time wall clock circa 1930

The word “collectible” is also used, just like the word vintage has been misused. Just about anything sold these days is marketed as a collectible if not vintage. Most serious buyers would agree that when it comes to clocks younger than 100 years old but older than 30 they are considered vintage and collectible is anything within 30 years.

Antique clock buying tips

Buying a clock without actually touching and inspecting it is always a gamble and making a judgment based on online images, most of which are of poor quality, complicates the decision-making even further. The sad stories of people who thought they bought an antique clock with a mechanical movement only to find a  quartz one when the clock arrived at their door are not fiction. This and other examples are the many challenges facing the antique clock shopper in today’s online world.

I am not a firm believer in purchasing an antique clock online based on images unless one is very familiar with and respects the reputation of the seller. Although you may find that special clock online my advice is to see the clock in the flesh prior to making your final decision.

Simon Willard banjo clock circa 1810

Questions you might ask yourself prior to the purchase

  • Will I get my money’s worth? Will I be “ripped off”?
  • Will it work when I get it home?
  • What do I have to do to fix it if something is wrong and what could I pay to fix it?
  • What did the seller not disclose? What are the little surprises that await me when I get home?
“Life is a box of chocolates….you never know what you are going to get”, Forest Gump

3 Simple rules for antique clock buying

Here are 3 simple rules on how to buy that special antique clock you’ve always wanted.

1. Locate the antique clock

  • The style and type of antique clock is a personal preference. I prefer wall clocks over mantel clocks, parlour over gingerbreads, and Ogees over cottage clocks.
  • If it is a local online inquiry meet with the seller to finalize the sale. If the clock is found in an antique shop or antique mall you will not be dealing with the seller (there are exceptions) but an agent who may know absolutely nothing about the clock.
  • Avoid Chinese or Korean clocks often advertised as “31-day” clocks. Although they are normally reliable runners, clock-makers will tell you that they are not worth fixing. None are antiques.

2. Ask a lot of questions

  • Does the clock run?
    • A running clock has more value than a non-running example. Ask the seller to demonstrate a running clock.
  • Who is the maker (manufacturer)?
    • Manufacturers make both inexpensive and quality clocks (there are exceptions). Seth Thomas, a respectable American clock-maker manufactured inexpensive clocks that have little value and higher-end models that are very desirable by collectors. The name alone does not always equate to value.
  • Has the clock been altered in any way?
    • Newer case pieces, decorations, new glass, refinished case, a replacement movement, a replacement pendulum, etc. will reduce the value and sometimes significantly.
  • If it does not run, are all the parts intact?
    • If it has all the parts, can it be repaired either by you, the buyer, or a competent repair person? I know of a time and strike clock that was missing the strike side gears.
  • How old is it?
    • Again, vintage or antique. A clock made in 1919 is now an antique.
    • Does the clock have provenance, an interesting and verifiable history?
  • How long has the seller had it?
    • A cherished family heirloom has more value than an item recently acquired for a quick profit.
  • Would you accept a lower price?
    • Point out specifically why the price should be reduced, missing pieces, non-running, poor condition.

3. Deal directly with the seller

  • By dealing with the seller in person you will always have the opportunity to walk away if you are not satisfied.
Junghans Crispi time and strike wall clock
Junghans Crispi time and strike wall clock Ca. 1899

Not every antique clock is rare or valuable and some clocks are more desirable than others. That 150-year-old 30-hour Ogee is not as valuable as you might think but a much younger vintage French figural style clock may be worth a lot more.

If you are looking for a very specific type or model of antique clock you will find that it takes time and research to find it but there will be a satisfying reward once found.

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