Solar mantel clock servicing – just one hiccup, well, a couple actually

For today’s post, we are looking at a German time and strike mantel clock with a Hermle movement and sold in Canada under the Solar name. It has a 6″ dial and dark walnut case that would have been around $50 or $60 when new in the 1960s. At about 13” wide by 7” high … More Solar mantel clock servicing – just one hiccup, well, a couple actually

Solar time and strike mantel clock by Eatons – first look

In the 1960s, T. Eaton & Co., one of Canada’s most iconic department stores, offered a variety of home goods to suit the tastes of the era. Among their diverse range of products was a charming collection of clocks, including the small but striking mantel clock that continues to capture the attention of collectors today. … More Solar time and strike mantel clock by Eatons – first look

Junghans bracket clock – cleaning a silvered dial and brass accents

Lately, I have been working on a stately bracket clock by Junghans from the latter part of 1911. I love the look of this clock though some would say it is quite plain. The Regency style veneered mahogany case of this time and strike bracket clock is in reasonably good condition save for a small … More Junghans bracket clock – cleaning a silvered dial and brass accents

Ansonia Syria parlour clock – Part II

Over the summer of 2020, I was asked to service a friend’s clock. It is an attractive machine-carved oak Ansonia Syria parlour clock in the popular Arts and Crafts style of the late 19th century. It has great sentimental value to my friend but she recognized that it was in need of adjustment or repair. … More Ansonia Syria parlour clock – Part II

Pequegnat Simcoe – servicing the movement

The Simcoe is one of 8 Arthur Pequegnat clocks in my collection. It is very similar in dimensions and style to the Jewel produced around the same time but a few dollars more at the time. The Jewel is an unadorned box while the Simcoe has more bling, a piecrust dial bezel, claw feet on … More Pequegnat Simcoe – servicing the movement

Pequegnat Bedford – servicing the movement

To Canadian clock collectors, Arthur Pequegnat are clocks highly regarded. Irrespective of model names they are generally classified as either “Berlin” or “Kitchener”. The Arthur Pequegnat Bedford is a Kitchener clock. Let me explain. Although it is impossible to date Pequegnat clocks to the exact year of production, the name Berlin distinguishes clocks made before … More Pequegnat Bedford – servicing the movement

Fleet Time company of Montreal – case refinishing and 2 surprises

While refreshing the case of this relatively nondescript mantel clock assembled by a short-lived Canadain clock company I ran into two interesting surprises. Here is a garden-variety vintage Westminster chime mantel clock from the Fleet Time Company of Montreal (Canada). Many of these clocks were sold at department stores across Canada during the pre-war (WWII) … More Fleet Time company of Montreal – case refinishing and 2 surprises

My collection of Arthur Pequegnat clocks

In light of current world events the antiquevintageclock.com family wish to convey our sympathy and condolences to those effected by Covid 19 There are a fair number of Canadian clock enthusiasts that have various sized collections of Pequegnat clocks. Skip Kerr‘s extensive collection immediately comes to mind. Although my collection is modest by comparison with … More My collection of Arthur Pequegnat clocks

Fleet Time Company of Montreal – Westminster chime mantel clock

In light of current world events the antiquevintageclock.com family wish to convey our sympathy and condolences to those effected by Covid 19 Here we have a nondescript mantel clock from the Fleet time Company of Montreal. This little known Canadian clock company had a short life between the years 1936 and 1940 producing a range … More Fleet Time Company of Montreal – Westminster chime mantel clock

Seven steps to servicing an antique or vintage clock movement

Why does a mechanical clock movement require servicing? The answer is fairly straight forward. Keeping your clock in good running condition requires maintaining the movement’s working parts and maintaining the working parts reduces wear. Ideally, most clocks should be serviced every three to five years to maximize longevity and ensure proper functioning. This article describes … More Seven steps to servicing an antique or vintage clock movement

Servicing a 3-train Girod clock movement – not the most fun but a satisfying result

This is a 3-train Westminster chime mantel clock with Girod movement from France in a Canadian made Art Deco case. Girod was a clockmaker based in the Morbier-Jura region of France and produced clocks from the 1930’s into the 1960’s. The firm of Girod was founded by brothers Leon and Auguste Girod. The clock was … More Servicing a 3-train Girod clock movement – not the most fun but a satisfying result

Aunt Theresa’s mantel clock

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 … More Aunt Theresa’s mantel clock

Clocks running in my office – a short video

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

Seth Thomas mantel clock – detailing makes a difference

This Victorian period Seth Thomas mantel clock was in very good condition when I bought it close to 20 years ago. It sat on an upright piano until it was serviced in December 2017. During servicing 4 bushings were installed. The clock was then relocated to another room. The model is not actually called the … More Seth Thomas mantel clock – detailing makes a difference

Gilbert model 2038 8-day mantel clock with Normandy Chime

My wife was going through the online catalogue of an estate auction recently and found an attractive vintage Gilbert tambour style clock. “Are you interested?” she said. “Sure”, I said, “put a maximum bid of $35”. We won the bid at $25 + tax and buyer’s premium, so, still under $35 CDN. Would I have … More Gilbert model 2038 8-day mantel clock with Normandy Chime

Dry home and clock case issues

Winter, along with the dry conditions of a typical Canadian home, can play havoc with wooden clock cases. In Canada we generally shut the doors and windows to keep the cold air out from mid November to mid March and we may stay inside for days at a time. During our Canadian winter we have … More Dry home and clock case issues

At least orient the clock photo!

For sale Gilbert antique mantel clock If you are going to sell a clock tell me more about it and why is it sideways? It does not take much to orient a photo! Very annoying. Is it mechanical or electric? Looks like it is key wound from the rear.  

Over-winding a clock is a myth

Over-winding a clock is a common myth. The world of horology reveals an assortment of interesting expressions as well as the misuse of words and terms. For classic example; why do some refer to shelf clocks as Mantle clocks when a mantel is something you wear like a shawl or a cloak? Mantel, such as … More Over-winding a clock is a myth

A Smiths Enfield mantel clock comes back to life

Smiths Enfield mantel clocks are highly regarded by beginning clock collectors due to their popularity, abundance, and durable movements. For amateur clock repairers, they offer relatively few challenges. I acquired my Smiths Enfield time-and-strike clock in 2013 from a young clock tinkerer in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, but it was never a reliable runner. It would … More A Smiths Enfield mantel clock comes back to life

A new & exciting direction in clock collecting & repair

I have been collecting clocks for over 8 years. In that time I have enjoyed my hobby immensely and I am constantly on the lookout for new and interesting acquisitions. It is more like a daily passion. However, I now realize that as my collection steadily grows I have more than I need or want. … More A new & exciting direction in clock collecting & repair

Crazy Clock ad – do you know what you are selling?

Okay, here’s the description. Carved pine antique mantle Grandmother clock circa 1900 “Pine”, “1900” and “antique” might be correct but what style is this clock? It is not a Grandmother clock but commonly known as a kitchen clock or a Gingerbread clock. It is not carved but steam pressed and tens of thousands of these … More Crazy Clock ad – do you know what you are selling?

Tick Talk Tuesday #20 Pequegnat Classic mantel clock $6 online purchase

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 #20 Pequegnat Classic mantel clock $6 online purchase

What is this clock thing for? #4 – the Geneva stop

You will not see Geneva stops on many clocks but if you do here is an explanation of how they work and how to set up the stops. Most American clock movements do not use the middle portion of a long & powerful spring but use most, if not all of the mainspring. Geneva stops … More What is this clock thing for? #4 – the Geneva stop

My Schatz W3 movement finally has a brand new custom built clock case

What do you do when you find a movement without a case? Hope that one comes along? Make one? I discovered an Aug Schatz & Sohne W3 movement at a local antique store for under CAN$20. My wife said, “You should buy that, maybe you can make a case for it”. “Hmm”, I thought; that … More My Schatz W3 movement finally has a brand new custom built clock case

Grandfathers old clock – Preserve a memory or restore it – Part III

This is Part III of a 4-part series. I have a vivid memory of this Waterbury octagon short drop schoolhouse clock that hung in my grandparent’s kitchen when I was a young boy. Now that I have it what do I do with it. I have devoted two previous articles to this curious and somewhat … More Grandfathers old clock – Preserve a memory or restore it – Part III