People often tell me that they could never have an old-fashioned antique clock in their home because of the noise. And by noise, they are not so much disturbed by the ticking sound as they are about the sound a clock makes on the quarter, half, or on the hour, in other words, a striking … More The time-only clock – simplicity without the noise
The hour hand is loose on my unmarked circa 1840s banjo clock. It is an unusual problem and I can’t say I have ever come across an issue like this in my years of clock repair. It is supposed to friction fit on the hour pipe but the hand is definitely quite loose. I have … More Repairing a loose hour hand on a weight-driven banjo
Seven clocks in my collection have family connections, not necessarily with my own family but clocks that I am able to trace back through families mostly in Nova Scotia (Canada). No names are mentioned. The stories are sad in some cases but interesting nonetheless. Let’s begin. Waterbury wall clock When I was a child back … More 7 Clocks in my collection that have family connections
This banjo clock project has been an ongoing challenge for nearly a year, a very enjoyable one that has taught me so much. The movement has been serviced, 4 new bushings installed, the case has been cleaned, veneer issues addressed on the two bottom corners, a new post was made for the final, dial glass … More Sawin banjo clock – wood dial bezel fix
I have written about this clock several times in the past 10 months but I am making good progress which I will detail in this article. This is how it arrived at my house last spring, dull and lifeless but with good bones and most everything original. First, some background information about the clock. This … More Sawin banjo clock – almost done, 3 more items to address
Weight-driven banjo clocks have simple time-only movements that are very reliable. They can be unadorned like the one I acquired or garish almost to excess like a presentation timepiece. Authenticity can be a challenge since some presentation timepieces started life as simple wooden cases and decorative tablets, finials, sidearms and other items were added later … More Sawin banjo clock movement servicing – two issues arose later
There are basically three types of banjo clocks with mechanical movements. Those with lever escapements which are usually in the $75 to $100 range, spring-driven ones that are generally $100 to around $300 and up but weight-driven banjo clocks occupy the upper end of the range and are normally between $300-$500 in fair condition and … More Restoration work on a 181 year old weight driven banjo clock
John Sawin was a prolific 1840s Boston clockmaker and many of his clocks have survived to this day. The Key features of the Sawin timepiece share many of the attributes of the original Simon Willard Patented Timepiece. They are: No striking parts reducing the number of wheels to a minimum for simplicity, Making the distance … More John Sawin banjo clock CA 1840
Yes, a weight-driven banjo clock for a surprisingly low price! There are essentially three types of mechanical banjo clocks. Those with lever escapements are usually in the $75 to $100 range, spring driven ones are $100 to around $200 and up but weight-driven banjo clocks occupy the higher end of the range and normally cost … More Yard sale find – a 181-year-old weight driven banjo clock for less than you think
Ominous The Spirit is an artist that makes music, paints, and creates photography. He donates 100% of profits to charity.
Progressive old soul wordsmith
Rare Finds & Collectables
Antique and Vintage Clocks 
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