When discussing American clocks, the name Elisha Manross might not come to mind as readily as prominent makers like Seth Thomas, New Haven, or Waterbury. However, Elisha Manross (1792–1856) played a pivotal role as a pioneer in the development of Connecticut clockmaking.
In 1812, at the age of 20, Elisha Manross, along with John Cowls, opened a shop in Bristol, Connecticut. Initially focused on woodturning, Manross did not set out to be a clockmaker. In 1825, he began making clock parts for other clockmakers. By 1835, Bristol was home to over a dozen clock factories producing woodworks clocks, and that year, Manross started producing clocks of his own. The 1837 depression marked the decline of wooden movement clocks and the rise of brass movements, particularly those invented and produced by Jerome1.
In the early years of clock production, materials were limited, and brass was commonly used for most components.
Brass mainsprings are exceptionally rare, and a clockmaker could easily go their entire career without encountering one. This is because brass mainsprings were only used for a brief period in American clockmaking history. Although carbon steel springs were used in Europe as early as the 1760s this technology was not used in America until the late 1840s.
From 1836 to 1850, brass was relatively inexpensive and readily available as a mainspring material due to the high cost of steel at the time. Brass is certainly not the best material to use as a mainspring since it is not as strong as steel and it loses its elasticity over time.
Tempered brass mainspring, American Clock and Watch Museum, Bristol Connecticut, June 2019
In 1847, the tempered steel mainspring, designed for everyday clocks, was introduced. This innovation quickly rendered brass mainsprings obsolete, relegating them to a niche chapter in horological history.
It is common for 30-hour time-and-strike Gothic steeple clocks, like this one by Elisha Manross, to feature steel mainsprings. Why? Because the original brass mainsprings broke and were replaced. The fact that this clock retains its original brass mainsprings in excellent condition suggests that it has led a relatively gentle life despite evidence of other repairs made to the movement over the years.
Elisha Manross 30 hour movement, as found
While some might consider replacing the brass with steel mainsprings, my priority was to maintain the originals. These brass mainsprings represent a significant chapter in the history of American clockmaking and deserve to remain in the movement where they belong.
New owners of an antique or vintage clock might find it surprising that their recent purchase requires periodic maintenance. This realization often dawns upon them only when the clock stops, and they struggle to get it running again.
This Junghans wall clock, C.1899 is a daily runner
In this discussion, we explore regular clock maintenance, underscoring the importance of continuous inspection to ensure your clock enjoys a long and functional life.
Determining the ideal service interval of a running clock is a frequent topic of discussion among clock repairers, influenced by various factors that impact a clock’s lifespan. Factors include environment, age, frequency of use, manufacturers recommendations, complexity of the movement, user maintenance and cost of repairs.
Regular inspection
I conduct regular inspections of all clocks running continuously in my collection every 3-5 years, enabling me to pinpoint potential issues and remediate them if necessary.
Not all of my clocks are inspected on a regular basis. Among my collection of approximately 85 clocks, only a maximum of 27 clocks remain in continuous operation. Of the remaining ones, certain clocks may need specialized maintenance, are in various states of repair, some have fragile or rare parts, and others are reserved for special occasions.
Elisha Manross steeple clock from the 1830s
As an illustration of a clock that seldom runs, one of my clocks is a 30-hour time-and-strike Elisha Manross steeple clock dating back to the 1830s. This particular clock features brass mainsprings, making them irreplaceable if they were to break today.
Brass mainsprings
Clocks that occasionally stop signal a need for immediate attention. I look for any immediate issues that might have caused the stoppage otherwise I focus on identifying green or black residues around the pivots. Contaminants mixing with clock oil create an abrasive paste, damaging bushing holes and pivots and in time the wear will stop a clock. If a clock stops after running continuously for years it is more often than not a wear issue. Disassembling the movement is imperative, enabling a detailed assessment of wear and determining the extent of intervention.
When dealing with a non-functioning clock no matter what procedures you have taken to get it running, the first step involves a visual inspection to identify evident problems like broken or bent parts, as well as missing components. This leads to the next step which is called servicing. True clock servicing involves comprehensive disassembly, inspection, cleaning, addressing wear and damage issues, reassembly, and thorough testing.
Factors that affect wear
Several factors affect wear, with the local environment playing a pivotal role. Humidity and temperature fluctuations, especially in older homes or those with wood stoves, impact a clock’s performance. Dust and pet hair, infiltrating the movement, also accelerate wear.
Clock cases that are tightly sealed with access doors help alleviate these concerns, and a properly sealed clock will extend the intervals between servicing.
Gustav Becker Vienna Regulator runs continuously
Different types of clocks exhibit unique wear patterns. Spring-driven time and strike clocks often wear on strike side pivots more often than the time side due to the shock of the half-hour strike. Chiming clocks face additional challenges due to the complexity of the chime/strike sides, where dried oils and dirt cause friction, leading to eventual stops. Weight-driven clocks, especially if not correctly in beat or with twisted cables, may suffer premature stops and require thorough investigation.
A mechanical clock as a decoration
Many people appreciate the decorative allure of antique clocks and opt not to operate them, choosing instead to display them as decorative pieces. However, leaving a mechanical clock unused poses risks.
Time and the environment, rather than operation, cause the most damage. Unused clocks primarily suffer from the thickening of the oil over time and the eventual breakdown of that oil. On the other hand, dried-up oil provides no lubrication for the pivots and leads to accelerated wear. Excessive enlarging of the brass pivot holes by the steel pivots will eventually lead to depthing issues (depthing, which is the correct meshing of one gear in relation to the next is a topic beyond the scope of this article).
Parts left motionless often tend to fuse, and rust accumulates, particularly in humid environments. Although the majority of clocks possess brass plates that are resistant to rust, there is a significant portion of steel components in them that are susceptible to corrosion.
In addition, mainsprings frequently become stuck due to thickening oil, causing the spring to fuse in position.
Running the clock even occasionally such as once per month is essential, enhancing longevity.
Clock cases also need attention
While maintaining the clock movement in good condition is crucial, cleaning the antique clock case is also important for several reasons.
Firstly, a clean case enhances the overall appeal of the clock, showcasing its design and craftsmanship.
Secondly, regular cleaning prevents the buildup of dust, dirt, and grime.
Thirdly, cleaning the case helps preserve the wood or other materials, preventing cracking and blistering and ensuring its structural integrity. I apply Minwax furniture paste wax on certain surfaces to protect the finish and maintain its appearance.
A clean clock case showcases its design– Junghans Sydney mantel clockC.1913
Overall, cleaning the antique clock case ensures its longevity, functionality, and visual appeal, making it an essential aspect of proper clock maintenance.
Health check for clocks
In my controlled home environment, with stable temperature, low humidity, and no pets, I prioritize regular health checks for my clocks as a preventive measure. Yet, due to the controlled environment in my home, I can prolong service intervals to around 4-5 years.
Shorter periods are recommended for clocks in less controlled or fluctuating environments, ensuring timely maintenance and preserving the clock’s longevity. Utilizing an Excel spreadsheet, I meticulously record changes, service intervals, and issues for each clock in my collection.
My goal is to ensure every clock’s durability, preserving them for future generations, and potentially passing them (well, at least some) down to my children.
Repurposing old antique clock parts can offer numerous benefits. For clock repair persons, these parts can serve as a convenient source for replacement components.
All clock repair persons consider this to be a best practice because it is sustainable, reduces waste, and conserves valuable resources.
Repurposing also provides an affordable means of obtaining rare and elusive parts for clock repair or restoration projects.
A case in point
Some years ago, I stumbled upon a seller who had four clocks for sale for just $20. It was a barn find in the true sense of the word.
I talked to the seller by phone and purchased them without knowing their condition. Upon inspection, I found that three of them had cases in poor condition but intact mechanical movements, making them well worth the purchase alone.
Although none of the clocks were particularly valuable, they were found in the same barn, all dusty and rusty, cast aside many years ago. In the eyes of the seller, the clocks were one step closer to the trash bin.
I considered resurrecting an Ansonia wall clock, which would have been a project for another day but there was a spring-driven time and strike steeple clock that was essentially intact so I decided to service it instead. The steeple clock movement was serviced and the case was refreshed. The results were quite satisfying.
It was a lucky find because the two mainsprings happened to be crafted from brass, which was utilized as a power source for clocks from roughly 1836 to 1840. Though rare the clock is not particularly valuable.
Elisha Manross steeple clock
While the Waterbury mantel clock was beyond repair and had to be discarded, there were still many parts from the Welch ogee clock that had the potential for future use. I removed the movement, pulleys, glass, hinges, iron nails, and door catch. The rosewood veneer was stripped from the case and set aside for a future project.
$20 for what some would consider trash
The salvaged veneer was used to create a new finial base for the Elisha Manross steeple clock pictured above and to cover the finial bases on the top crown of an 1850s Scottish tall case clock. In time the salvaged veneer was used for a number of other projects.
Scottish tall-case clock
Some clock parts are not difficult to source
There is actually a considerable assortment of new components available for antique and vintage clocks, which can be procured through numerous suppliers.
Examples are clock hands, pendulum bobs and leaders, feet, hinges, finials, bezels, hand nuts, case parts, and so on but by keeping old clock parts, clockmakers have access to replacement components that are no longer produced or readily available.
Trash or treasure?
As time passed, I revisited the Ansonia wall clock. The Ansonia Drop Extra wall clock shown above was in a disassembled state and the heavily corroded movement might have been deemed irreparable by some.
Ansonia time-only movement as found
I could have salvaged the veneer and wooden components and saved the movement for potential future use, but I chose to rise to the challenge and reassemble the clock instead.
The crucial brass dial bezel was absent from the clock, and while I initially believed I could find a replacement at a later time (I never could), I opted to reinsert the movement into the refurbished case.
Though clearly missing a few cosmetic parts the clock has proven to be a reliable runner to this day.
Ansonia Drop Extra wall clock
There is value in saving old parts
Retaining old clocks for spare parts not only helps to maintain the legacy of clockmaking but also serves as a dependable resource for those elusive components that can be challenging to come by.
Beyond everything else, the parts tell a story about the manufacturing process, the materials used, and the craftsmanship involved in creating a clock. By saving and reusing these parts, clockmakers help to ensure that the knowledge and skills of traditional clockmaking are not lost.
Saving old clock parts is not only practical but also beneficial for preserving history, maintaining authenticity, and ensuring the longevity of antique timepieces.
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 to the masses, an economic recession in the late 1830s brought clock production to a halt.
Pioneer clockmaker Chauncey Jerome, who was in the clock business at the time, considered his “business troubles and disappointments” and he along with his brother Noble formulated the idea that movements could be made from brass. Noble Jerome received patent number 1200 for his brass clock movement, issued June 27, 1839. Woodworks movements began to be phased out and replaced by brass movements which were made in the hundreds of thousands. 30-hour brass movements were made well into the 1860s and were eventually replaced by the 8-day brass movement.
Because 30-hour clocks were produced in the thousands many examples have survived to this day. Most clock aficionados today have at least one ogee clock in their collection.
Of the 12 in my collection 5 are running continuously. Yes, winding a clock everyday is a hassle but we often forget that at one time the thirty hour clock in the form of the bedside alarm clock was a fixture in every home but for this post I am excluding the dozen alarm clocks in my collection.
Half are weight driven, so let’s begin with those.
Sperry and Shaw
Sperry & Shaw 4 column clock
This, a four-column shelf clock designed in the “New York” style was made between 1841 and 1851. Sperry and Shaw were assemblers and distributors and sourced parts from various producers. The movements and cases could have been made by Silas Hoadley or Chauncey Jerome or both.
I bought the clock from student in Halifax, Nova Scotia in the fall of 2018 and he would not budge on the price. My only question to him prior to making the deal was whether or not the clock had the original wafer weights which would be almost impossible to source if missing.
Daniel Pratt and Son
This is the only clock I have with a woodworks movement. Daniel Pratt worked with others but eventually went out on this own in the 1830s. I would date this clock to around 1837. This clock was won at an estate auction for the price of $30 during a time when clock prices were hitting rock bottom. The clock has a wood dial and a mirrored lower tablet (may or may not be original) and the case is in very good condition for its age.
Daniel Pratt and Sons
Chauncey Jerome
Chauncey Jerome 30 hour Ogee clock
This clock is from around 1855, made just before Chauncey Jerome’s company went into bankruptcy. This was also bought at auction a few years ago. It came with an extra mirrored lower tablet and a “spare” dial. I am not sure if either the mirrored tablet or the JC Brown picture are original. The veneer, however, is in perfect condition.
George H. Clark
George H Clark 30 hour Ogee shelf clock
This is an ogee from around 1857. There is no makers mark on the works but it is a Waterbury type 2.411 movement. The case is well-preserved and in excellent condition, obviously well-cared for by a previous owner. The beehive tablet looks to be original.
Waterbury Clock Co.
This an ogee style clock from 1865. It was bought at an antique store in Halifax. There was no price on the clock. I asked the owner what he would sell it for. He said, name a price, I said $40 and he said, sold! Evidently it been in his shop for a while. It is the first clock on which I learned how to replace very worn trundles.
Cuckoo clock
Dave’s cuckoo clock
This is a 30-hour cuckoo clock with a Regula movement, made about 1976. A cheap German made mass-produced “tourist” clock that was given to me by a relation. It still works but it is on its 3rd movement.
And now for the spring driven clocks.
Ansonia Cottage clock
This cottage clock is from about 1895. This another clock that was given to me. These were probably dollar clocks at the time. They had cheap movements but were solid and reliable. Surprisingly, these command good prices on the auction sites since so few remain.
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Canada Clock Company
The Hamilton Cottage Extra is from about 1880. These are now very difficult to find since so few have survived. It is Canadian made and collectors will happily pay hundreds of dollars for one. It has a very cheap case made of softwood with no veneers. The acid etched lower tablet is quite unique. It was bought in a local junk store for $40. I could not believe my find.
Hamilton Cottage Extra
Elisha Manross
Elisha Manross gothic steeple
The Manross is a thirty hour time and strike and called a steeple clock. One interesting feature is that the Rosewood veneer is in a vertical orientation on the side columns unlike most that have a horizontal orientation. It is also the only clock in my collection that has brass mainsprings which were phased out in the early 1840s making the clock historically significant. Needless to say that in order to preserve the mainsprings I run this clock infrequently.
Hamilton Clock Company
The style is known as gothic steeple. The clock is from about 1876 and features a religious expression on the acid etched lower tablet, “Cling to the Cross”. There are some veneer losses but the clock is in decent shape. The steeple tips never seem to survive on these clocks.
Hamilton Clock Co. 30 hour time and strike
New Haven
This is a spring driven time and strike ogee from around 1875. Unfortunately the veneer has been stripped from the case and the softwood re-stained but it is an attractive little clock nonetheless. The dial is a replacement and the lower tablet has some losses.
Ogee New Haven clock
New Haven
This a called a Sharp Gothic according to the label. It is an American-made clock sold by a jeweler by the name of Thomas B. Spike in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada) in the 1880s. The lower tablet features a seaside Parthenon scene which might suggest it was one of many produced for foreign markets. There are some veneer losses but the clock is in running order and keeps reasonably good time. It has replacement mainsprings because it will run for 3 days on a wind. Not bad for a 30-hour clock!
New haven Gothic Steeple clock
I hope you enjoyed this little tour of a part of my collection of 30-hour or one-day clocks and please leave a comment. As for expanding my collection of one-day clocks I am not sure that I would continue acquiring them unless I came across something quite unique or if one were given to me.
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 clocks for sale, all for $20. I had no idea of the condition of the clocks but for the price I couldn’t lose but I knew it would be interesting. So, off my wife and set off for a 30-minute drive north of our home in Nova Scotia. The seller had them spread out on a table in an old barn. They had been stored in an attic for many years and were filthy.
None of them were in great shape but three came with mechanical movements which was worth the price alone.
They are:
E N Welch 30-hour Ogee movement and case,
Elisha Manross time and strike steeple clock, with 30-hour movement,
Ansonia Extra Drop time-only, 8-day wall clock with movement,
That ogee case on the left was missing half of its veneer and would never be whole again
I managed to salvage two clocks from this bunch.
The Ansonia Extra Drop is hanging in my office and runs daily. The Elisha Manross steeple clock from 1843 has been cleaned up, serviced, and is now on display. The Manross clock has the distinction of being the only one in my collection with rare brass mainsprings.
A couple of missing pieces but looks good and runs well (reflection between 6 & 7)
Both clocks look great
Elisha Manross 30-hour steeple with brass mainsprings and new right finial & base
The Welch ogee and the Waterbury mantel clock were well beyond the due date they still had use as donor or parts clocks. I removed the brass bezel, strike rod block, dial face, rear door, and hinges from the Waterbury clock and tossed out the case which was not salvageable. Even the veneer could not be reused.
There was quite a bit to salvage from the Welch clock. I took out the movement, cleaned it, and put it aside to be used as a spare Ogee movement. I removed the pulleys, glass, hinges, iron nails, door catch and stripped the case entirely of its Rosewood veneer.
A new door made from the back panel of the ogee
Waterbury shot drop with new/old door
Talk to any clockmaker. Many save parts from clocks beyond repair for future use
Veneer from the ogee was used to make a new finial base for the Elisha Manross steeple clock
A section of old wood is glued to a missing section of the backboard for the Ansonia Extra Drop wall clock
Veneer from the ogee clock was used to cover the finial bases for an old Scottish tall case clock.
Talk to any clockmaker and you will find many that save parts from clocks beyond repair. Conserve, do not throw anything out, it may have a future use as a hard-to-find part for a repair.
Among American clocks, the name Elisha Manross does not immediately come to mind unlike well-known clockmakers such as Seth Thomas, New Haven or Waterbury. However, Elisha Manross (1792-1856) was an important pioneer of the Connecticut clock.
Brass mainsprings are very rare. It is possible for a clockmaker to go through their entire career without seeing brass mainsprings. Why? Because brass was used for a very short period as a mainspring in clocks. From 1836 to 1850 brass mainsprings were used because steel was considered very expensive. It was not until 1847 that the tempered steel mainspring developed for everyday clocks was introduced and with it, the brass mainspring faded into clock history.
Tempered brass mainspring, American Clock and Watch Museum, Bristol Connecticut, June 2019
Quite often 30-hour time and strike Gothic Steeple clocks such as this one by Elisha Manross (Ca. 1847) have steel mainsprings because the original brass mainsprings broke and were replaced. That the mainsprings in this clock are original and still in excellent condition tells me that this clock did not have a particularly hard life.
Elisha Manross 30 hour movement, as found
My plan is to preserve the brass mainsprings. Some might be tempted to replace them with steel ones. My interest is in preserving the brass mainsprings in this clock because they represents a very important part of the history of American clocks and should be back in the movement where they belong.
Hi readers, in light of current world events the antiquevintageclock.com family wish to convey our sympathy and condolences to those effected by Covid 19
Dating a clock can be a challenge and often an estimate within a range of dates is the best that can be accomplished. Dating some clocks can be relatively easy as in the case of this Sessions Beveled Number 2 tambour style time and strike. Inside the back access door, it is stamped Sept 1927, the date of manufacture.
Further research about the clockmaker, the movement design and the label will reveal a date within a narrow range
Inside access door of Sessions tambour clock
Sessions Beveled No. 2
This Gilbert time and strike movement has a die-stamped year but the month of manufacture is unknown. Other markings in the case might narrow it down.
Gilbert movement made in 1906
Research concerning the maker, the clock design, the model name or number and the label may reveal the exact date or something within a narrow range of years. Books on the identification of American clocks such as those by Tran Duy Lycan be very helpful.
Let’s look at this Elisha Manross Gothic Steeple clock.
Elisha Manross (1792-1856) was an important pioneer of the Connecticut clock and made a variety of clock styles, one of which is the gothic steeple pictured below.
Elisha Manross Gothic Steeple clock. Hands are incorrect; it would have had spade hour and spear minute hands
Although Elisha Manross had been active in Bristol clock-making since 1812 and earlier he shows in the Bristol tax records as making clocks from 1842-1851. His business was dissolved in 1854 and the factory was purchased in 1855 by E.N. Welch.
Manross made two steeple clocks. One is 20″ high and 10″ wide, the other is 19 1/2 inches high by 9 1/2 inches wide. The larger case would have made for other labels but the smaller size such as this one was manufactured in the Manross factory.
A very dirty Elisha Manross 30 hour movement, just out of the case
This 30-hour clock by Elisha Manross has some distinctive features that help in its dating. Let’s narrow down the date by looking at the design of the movement and case. Three features make this clock interesting. One, it has very rare brass mainsprings; two, the count-wheel is located in the middle on the backplate and three, the veneer on the front columns and door is in a vertical orientation.
Brass mainsprings
Brass mainsprings were invented, patented and first used in 1836 by Joseph Shaylor Ives. Brass was cheaper and more accessible than steel in the mid-1830s and 1840s. Silas B. Terry developed steel springs for clock use in the Bristol area circa 1847, and as steel improved and became cheaper, brass springs quickly disappeared.
In the history of the American clockmaking, brass mainsprings had a very short life, between 1836 and 1850. The brass mainsprings on this movement have survived for a very long time and most clocks of this age have had replacement steel mainsprings.
Count-wheel
Many American time and strike movements have the count wheel located on the left side of the front plate just above the mainspring (or winding arbour for a weight-driven clock). Placing the count wheel in the rear of this movement adds complexity to the lever arrangement. Also absent is a strike-side cam wheel typically found on later American time and strike movements.
Manross backplate showing location of count-wheel
Veneer and vertical orientation
Exotic woods were used to cover the pine case. Elisha Manross clocks were either clad in Rosewood veneer or Mahogany. Manross clocks were produced with the Mahogany veneer in a vertical orientation, such as this clock, and Rosewood veneer in a horizontal orientation. American clockmakers did not normally orient the veneer in this manner.
Left front column
Dating this clock – let’s see what the data tells us
Records also show that steeple cases were made by Manross between 1847 and 1853. The label on the clock is in remarkable condition for a 168-year-old clock and is extremely helpful in dating this clock. On the back of the door, the left side of the upper tablet is the inscription 8/43, not once but twice. Is this the date the case was made? The door is clearly original to the case since it has the same vertical orientation as the veneer.
Records also show the sale of 705 cases (unknown as to type) to “E. Manross” during the months July-November, 1843. It is very possible the case was constructed in 1843, stored until later when the movements were placed in the case and readied for sale.
The date of August 1843 is inconsistent with the label, located on the inside backboard, which was printed by Elihu Geer at his shop on 10 State Street, Hartford Conn on or about 1850. The label was likely added to the case just prior to the sale of the clock.
We can conclude that the clock was made no earlier than 1843 and no later than 1850 and we can safely date this clock within a 5-7 year period.
Dating aside, it is truly remarkable that a mechanical device that is 173 years old is still operating to this day.
I am not a huge collector of steeple clocks but I was intrigued by one I found in an old barn. I bought 4 clocks as part of a barn find this past winter (2018). Two including this one are salvageable. The two others are for case and works parts only.
$5 for a clock is a real bargain. This antique American Elisha Manross 30 hour time and strike steeple clock is an interesting variant of the sharp Gothic steeple clock. It looks fairly plain today but it was a striking style for its time. The early Steeple clocks of the 1840s influenced the design of later steeple clocks which were produced in large numbers up to the end of the 19th century.
A unique feature is the 30 hour brass movement with 2 brass mainsprings. Brass mainsprings were used in American clocks between 1836 and 1850. When affordable steel mainsprings arrived the brass mainspring disappeared into history. This clock was made in the Elisha Manross factory in Bristol, Connecticut (USA) August of 1843. 30 hour movements are immediately recognizable because of the proximity of the winding holes to the centre cannon. Eight day movements, which are taller, would have much lower winding arbours.
The dial face is in reasonably good shape with some losses on the edges and corners
The good and the bad
The good: the movement, coil gong and dial face are original as is the pendulum bob. The label is in very good condition for the age of the clock. The upper glass tablet is original and shows the waviness you would expect with visible imperfections. The movement works but needs a thorough cleaning. The movement looks good though I will know more once I disassemble it for cleaning.
The bad: the mahogany veneered case is in poor condition with nicks, scratches and gouges on the entire surface. The very tip of the left steeple is broken off. There is a large piece of veneer missing on the right side on the clock base but that piece was found inside the clock and later glued in place. The most critical issue is the missing right steeple and base. The lower tablet is missing. There would have been a Fenn or similar design. Clear glass has been installed in its place. It is also missing the minute hand.
This side piece of veneer was found inside the case glued in place but there is still a small section that needs veneering
Work to be done
My first task is to clean the case and determine how I should approach finishing the clock case. I decided not to strip the case because there is a certain patina I would like to preserve.
My goal is the have a running clock in presentable condition and that includes replacing the right steeple. Ordering the missing parts from a clock supply house would seem to be a simple solution but unfortunately these parts must be hand made. To address the steeple base and spire I had some decisions to make. I took careful measurements of the left steeple base, cut a piece of pine stock to the same dimensions and clad it in crotch mahogany.
Pine cut and test fit for right steeple base
A relatively simple task of veneering took three days as I had to veneer each side, clamp, wait till it dried and trim off the excess before tackling the next side. Hide glue was used for this project. Hide glue is appropriate because it is an organic adhesive and it is the type of glue that would have used at the time.
The steeple base is the middle block of wood
Sides and top are veneered, now the front
Once all sides were completed the spire was next. I have never made a finial before so this was a very interesting learning experience. The spire was somewhat more challenging since it involved patterning it off the left spire. As I discovered it is much harder than it looks. I do not have a wood lathe so my metal lathe had to do. I bought a set of wood lathe chisels at my local hardware store at a reasonable price though I discovered that they require sharpening prior to use.
Taig lathe with 1/4 hp motor
The result was something closer than I expected. Not perfect but until I improve my skills this will do for now. Working with softwood is relatively easy but working with hardwood would be a much greater challenge would think.
This is the first application of red mahogany stain on the steeple but how to get rid of the distracting wood grain!
The grain in the spire is certainly distracting and it is something I did not anticipate. One more application of stain concealed some of the grain but it is still visible at certain angles. Will a clear coat over the stain bring me the result I am looking for? Hmm!
Second application of red mahogany stain, grain is disappearing
After thoroughly cleaning the case with Murphy’s soap and Orange Oil I applied a very thin coat of red mahogany stain on the entire case, left it on for only one minute and wiped off all the excess residue. Again, my aim was to preserve the original patina as much as possible but hide numerous scratches. The stain filled in the scratches and I am satisfied with the end result. With the addition of the right final base and spire, the clock now looks complete.
Now to address the spire one more time. I decided that Minwax Poly Wipe was not working very well. The clear coat absorbed into the wood after two applications and still left a dull finish. I then selected a clear spar varnish and it finally gave me the results I was looking for.
The screws holding the movement were so loose they had to be replaced with bolts. The coil gong and base were cleaned and stripped of years of rust. I then oiled the movement, put the clock in beat and attached the dial face. The moon hands look good but are not original to the clock. While I have the hour hand the original needle type minute hand is long gone.
The clock is assembled and running
With the cased cleaned and with the addition of the right spire base and steeple the clock now looks presentable. Although I was able to make the spire on a metal lathe it it has certain limitations and I now see the value in using a wood lathe. I am also pleased that the movement is running but at some point it must be cleaned and properly serviced. At the moment there are just too many other projects standing in the way.
A great little project and a test of my veneering and woodworking skills.
I acquired four old clocks in a barn find. Two, a 30 hour Ogee and a mantel clock were totally unsalvageable although I managed to take off some veneer, case parts, a movement, boards, case hardware and a few other items.
Elisha Manross 30 hour steeple clock
Two others were worth a second look. One is an Elisha Manross 30 hour Gothic steeple clock that is worth restoring and the other, an Ansonia Drop Extra wall clock, the subject of this article.
There are a number of variations of the Ansonia Drop Extras and the one most sought after is the time, strike and calendar version. This is merely a time-only version and would fetch a price in the lower end of the range.
The largely intact label says,
Eight-day and thirty hour brass clocks, pendulum clocks, a variety of……., Also sole manufacturers of Jeweled Marines and eight-day gilt time pieces, Ansonia Brass and Copper….Ansonia Conn.
This clock was manufactured by the Ansonia Brass & Copper Co. around 1880. It is 26 inches high, 16 inches wide and 5 inches deep. It has a 16 inch round wood door bezel on a large 2 inch hinge. The drop section has serpentine sides and teardrop finials. The bottom access drop door opens downwards. Other Drop Extra access doors open to the side.
Much has been written about the Ansonia clock company. The company history can be found here. Formed in 1844, the Ansonia Clock Company went into receivership just before the stock market crash in 1929. The machinery and dies were sold to a Russian Company in 1931 thus ending the long reign of a glorious American clock manufacturer.
The Lima (Ohio) News gave this account in a March 12, 1931 news report:
“…there came an order to supply the Soviet union with men and machines to make watches and clocks, neither of which products ever had been manufactured there. Representatives of Amtorg went to the Ansonia Clock Company in Brooklyn and to the Duber Hampden Watch Company of Canton, Ohio, and bought them lock, stock and barrel. Then they hired most of the skilled employees of the plants to go to Russia and operate the familiar machines. These have been installed in a new, many-windowed building in Moscow, where Russian apprentices are beginning to master the trade.”
The time-only movement appears unusual because of the oversize 2nd and 3rd wheels. The dial glass is original as is the painted dial which is 11 1/2 inches wide. The painted zinc dial has black Roman numerals, is flaked in some areas and requires stabilization. The flaking dial could use some work if only to arrest the deterioration of the finish. In the meantime the numerals have been touched up with black metal paint.
Ansonia Extra short drop wall clock
Seized time-only movement
The clock is in generally poor shape, what I would consider a diamond in the rough. A challenging project? Yes, because there are so many missing parts. Missing are the brass dial bezel, clock hands, pendulum bob, verge, drop access door with its hardware, right tear drop finial and 3 hinges. The finish is completely gone, down to the bare veneer. The veneer has some minor losses that are in hidden from view but for the most part the case is in good condition.
The movement was rusty and the wheels were seized. Obviously the clock had not been running in a number of years. After applying some WD-40 I managed to free the gears. In addition, two bent wheels (2nd and 3rd) had to be straightened. The rust was removed and the movement cleaned up surprisingly well. Only one bushing was required on the escape wheel bridge. The movement is presently installed in the clock and running well with the addition of a new verge, pendulum rod and bob.
There is nothing special about bringing the veneer back to life. After a thorough cleaning with Murphy’s soap I applied three coats of shellac lightly sanding after each coat. The photo shows the clock after the third application of shellac.
Ansonia backboard with partial label & movement mount blocks
A section on the right side of the backboard was missing. I salvaged a piece of board from a donor Waterbury Ogee from about the same period and traced a pattern to fit the missing piece. Replacing the entire backboard might have been an option but I felt it necessary to preserve most of the label. Hide glue was used to bond the two boards which were then clamped for 24 hours. The gaps were filled with a combination of hide glue and sawdust one day later.
Ansonia movement running and installed in the case
Unfortunately, this is as far as I can go with this project. Unless the previous owner finds the missing pieces which is doubtful or I find another clock to marry the two together this clock will simply be a curiosity on a wall. In the meantime I have contacted some clock suppliers and have had no luck so far. My inquiries on clock oriented social media sites have also produced no results.
Rosewood veneered dial bezel in position
The movement has been running reliably for a full 8-day cycle and has run for the past 4 weeks. Despite not having the parts I require to complete the project there is a certain satisfaction in making a clock run that has not run in years.
I acquired four old clocks in a barn find. Two, a 30 hour ogee and a mantel clock were salvageable only that I was able to take veneer, case parts, one movement and a few pieces.
The two other clocks are worth preserving. Though it is missing some case parts one of them is an Ansonia Drop Extra wall clock. It is the subject of a future article.
Steeple clocks of the 1840s signaled the design of later steeple clocks
Ansonia Drop Extra wall clock
The fourth clock is an American Elisha Manross 30 hour steeple clock which is the subject of this article.
Elisha Manross 30 hour steeple clock on right
This is an interesting variant of the sharp Gothic steeple clock. These early Steeple clocks though simple in style, influenced the design of later steeple clocks.
Veneer could use some cleaning, right steeple is missing, door is off
The clock has accumulated years of dust and grime. The movement though dirty runs remarkably well. The case is scuffed, has a myriad of marks and scratches and one or two deeper gouges. This clock has seen its share of abuse and neglect over the years.
I took the access door off and found the bottom door pin to be original but the top pin has been replaced with a finishing nail. A piece of pinion wire was fashioned and glued in place. It is missing the right side steeple base and the spire. It is also missing the minute hand which appears to have been snapped off at some point and lost. Also missing is the bottom tablet with plain glass fixed in its place. The pendulum bob appears to be original as is the coil gong. The dial face has a nice patina and is in good condition with some losses. It has readable Roman numerals but covered with shellac or varnish at one point. The numerals have also been touched up.
Exotic woods were used to cover the pine case. Elisha Manross clocks were either clad in Rosewood veneer or Mahogany. The Mahogany veneer on this clock is much thicker than the veneers typically used today. Manross clocks are produced with the Mahogany veneer in a vertical orientation and Rosewood veneer in a horizontal orientation. Manross made two steeple clocks. One is 20″ high and 10″ wide, the other is 19 1/2 inches high by 9 1/2 inches wide. The larger case would have made for other labels but the smaller size (this is the smaller mahogany clock) was produced in the Manross factory.
Nice aged patine, numbers have been touched up
On the back of the door, left side of the upper tablet is the inscription 8/43, not once but twice. My first thought was an inventory or part number but if this is the month and date the clock was made it would be consistent with the brass mainsprings on the movement which makers used between 1836 and 1850. The label on the clock is in remarkable condition for a 175+ year old clock. However, the date (8/43) is inconsistent with the label which was printed by Elihu Geer at his shop on 10 State Street, Hartford Conn. According to one source Elihu Geer operated the print shop at this location after 1850. Perhaps but it seems reasonable that the clock was made in 1843.
8/43 inscribed on the back door
Although Elisha Manross had been active in Bristol clock-making since 1812 or earlier he shows in the Bristol tax records as making clocks from 1842-1851. His business was dissolved in 1854 and the factory was purchased in 1855 by E.N. Welch.
Well preserved label
Brass springs were invented and first used in 1836 by Joseph Shaylor Ives. Brass for mainsprings was evidently cheaper and more accessible than steel in the mid 1830s and 1840s. Silas B. Terry developed steel springs for clock use in the Bristol area circa 1847, and as steel improved and became cheaper brass springs quickly disappeared. In the history of the American clock brass springs had a very short life. The brass springs on the movement have survived a very long time which is unusual since most clocks of this age have had replacement steel springs.
The movement will be cleaned up and the case will be reconditioned including the replacement of the right steeple and base. I do not foresee the clock as being a daily runner.
Have you brought an old antique back to life be it a clock or a piece of furniture? Leave a comment about your own experiences.
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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