Sessions Mission style clock – an interesting challenge to what should have been a routine servicing

This is the only mission-style clock in my collection. Made by the Sessions Clock Co. of America in or about the 1920s it reflects classic Mission design and is rather attractive. I was not searching for this clock but a $10 find in a Pembroke, Ontario thrift shop is hard to pass up. Though this … More Sessions Mission style clock – an interesting challenge to what should have been a routine servicing

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Gustav Becker 2-weight Vienna Regulator – 6 years later

One of my retirement gifts in 2016 was a 2-weight time and strike Gustav Becker wall clock. My wife had thoroughly searched eBay and picked what she determined to be the best gift for me considering a Gustav Becker wall clock had always been on my wish list. It was everything I had hoped for … More Gustav Becker 2-weight Vienna Regulator – 6 years later

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Sessions Mission style wall clock – past shoddy repairs make servicing a challenge

Between 1903 and 1933 the Sessions Clock Company of America produced 52 models of mechanical clocks ranging from simple mantel clocks and shelf clocks to wall or “regulator” clocks all designed for the home or small businesses. Found in many homes across America Sessions clocks were regarded as relatively inexpensive, simple in design, and decently … More Sessions Mission style wall clock – past shoddy repairs make servicing a challenge

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Mission style wall clock from Sessions – first look

Once the Sessions Clock Co acquired E. N. Welch assets in 1902 (for more on the history of E. N. Welch Clock Co. go here) the company was well on its way to becoming one of the biggest clock producers in America. Production began in 1903 and between that time and 1933 Sessions produced 52 models … More Mission style wall clock from Sessions – first look

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7 Clocks in my collection that have family connections

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

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Tick Talk Tuesday #42 Sessions Westminster C questions

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from readers concerning clock issues, challenges faced, a clock you would profiled or 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 CC writes: Hi Ron, are … More Tick Talk Tuesday #42 Sessions Westminster C questions

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Calibrating a typical American spring-driven mechanical clock

In our quest to have our antique mechanical clocks run accurately the immediate response is to regulate the clock, but have you thought about calibrating your mechanical clock? It is not as difficult as it sounds. This is not the same as regulating your clock. A properly regulated Anerican-made spring-driven clock will show the correct … More Calibrating a typical American spring-driven mechanical clock

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Mainspring barrel tooth damage – how does that happen?

Something causes tooth damage. But what? The example is a Fleet time and strike mantel clock from the 1930s. Fleet Time Company of Montreal, a company that was operating four short years, sourced movements from Germany prior to the Second World War. It was a very common mantel clock sold through department stores across Canada. … More Mainspring barrel tooth damage – how does that happen?

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A woodworks movement by Daniel Pratt Jr. and it actually works

Won at auction this spring is a Daniel Pratt Jr. reverse ogee with splat although this one is missing the splat, the decorative piece on top of the case. According to the label it was made in or after 1843. It was also missing the suspension spring and pendulum rod and the wire with regulating … More A woodworks movement by Daniel Pratt Jr. and it actually works

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Servicing a Sessions Grand Assortment time and strike movement

The Grand Assortment was sold “six in a case” to retailers who then sold them separately. The name “Assortment” seems appropriate and I am not surprised that some collectors refer to them simply as the Grand. So, was the “Assortment” a choice among a number of Grands (Grand 1, Grand 2, etc.)? Selling clocks in … More Servicing a Sessions Grand Assortment time and strike movement

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An obituary for an E. Ingraham gingerbread clock – the case that is!

Can this gingerbread clock made by E. Ingraham be saved? Possibly, but this clock is destined to become a parts clock and I will explain why in this post. In the spring of this year (2022) 4 clocks were bought at auction. I can save three of them but not this one. Gingerbread clocks often … More An obituary for an E. Ingraham gingerbread clock – the case that is!

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Grand Assortment by Sessions – is the assortment really that grand?

This is not the first Grand Assortment clock from the Sessions Clock Co. that I have worked on. In June 2019 I repaired a family member’s clock. It is exactly the same model. The Grand Assortment was sold “six in a case” to retailers who then sold them separately. The name “assortment” seems appropriate and … More Grand Assortment by Sessions – is the assortment really that grand?

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Ansonia Canada 30-hour kitchen clock – almost as good as new

This attractive little clock was bought at auction earlier this spring. The walnut case is actually in good shape and the tablet looks not only original but is in decent condition as well. I expected a well-cared-for movement but to my surprise, it was in deplorable condition, a prime example of a clock that saw … More Ansonia Canada 30-hour kitchen clock – almost as good as new

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Refreshing an Ingraham “octagon top” 30-hour shelf clock – keep or sell?

This 30-hour shelf clock (hour strike) was manufactured by American clock-maker E. Ingraham and Co. in the 1870s. There are various iterations of the name over the maker’s history but this was the one the company used from 1861 to 1880. The clock was bought at auction in mid-March 2022 along with 3 other clocks. … More Refreshing an Ingraham “octagon top” 30-hour shelf clock – keep or sell?

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Ansonia 30-hour parlour clock with a very worn movement

I acquired a number of clocks at auction this past winter (2022). All were antiques and all were in poor to fair condition but each one had potential. The auction notes simply said the movements were untested which can mean just about anything from a failed, irreparable movement to something that might have been serviced … More Ansonia 30-hour parlour clock with a very worn movement

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Tick Talk Tuesday #41 – who made this clock?

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from readers concerning clock issues, challenges faced, a clock you would profiled or 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 PN writes: We bought this … More Tick Talk Tuesday #41 – who made this clock?

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