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 NT writes: I was wondering … More Tick Talk Tuesday #39 – Mauthe box clock
There is a thin line between restoring a clock case to its former glory and ruining it forever. While the intent is to make them look like the day they were made, many clocks get stripped and poorly refinished and the results are beyond sad. Although there is much debate in the world of antique … More The thin line between restoring a clock to its former glory and ruining it
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
There is no single method of dating an antique or vintage clock but there are some strong clues in some cases and subtle inferences in others that help determine when a clock was manufactured. Occasionally, the exact month and year is displayed somewhere on the case, and in other instances the clock by way of … More Dating an antique or vintage clock – Part I
Is it worth the time and expense to have a clock professionally serviced? That is the question of the day. I receive many letters from people who ask whether a clock handed down to them is worth repairing/preserving. It is not an easy question to answer. Shared history and stories connected with the clock can … More Having a professional service your clock
This clock was bought at auction in Ottawa, Ontario, and hung on the wall of the kitchen at our cottage in Quebec for 4 years. The clock was imported from Germany and sold by the Forestville Clock Co. of Toronto, Canada. It was never a great timekeeper probably because it had never been properly cleaned. … More Delft clock by Forestville – Let’s take it apart and see what we have
A century ago, clock manufacturers understood the power of marketing, and the word “Regulator” became a key tool in their strategy to boost sales. By simply labeling a clock with “Regulator,” they could make it appear more precise and desirable, even if it wasn’t a true regulator. But is this a hard-and-fast rule? Let’s take … More If it says Regulator on your clock it is likely NOT a Regulator?
I love this clock. It is one of my favorites. Bought in the fall of 2018, it has been on the kitchen wall and running ever since. Arthur Pequegnat clocks have a solid construction, robust movements, conservative designs, are among the most dependable and reliable clocks in my collection. this model is called the Moncton. … More The Moncton – double spring time only – Part II – servicing the movement
Canadian clock collectors are very familiar with the name Arthur Pequegnat and associate the maker’s clocks with a solid construction, robust movements, conservative designs, and nationalism since many clocks were named after towns and cities in Canada. The Moncton was named after the City of Moncton in New Brunswick, Canada. The Moncton was often found … More The Moncton – double spring time only – Part 1 – assessing the movement prior to servicing
I frequently cruise the online for-sale sites for interesting clocks and I could not help but chuckle at this one. Would you buy a Cucuko clock? If you are going to sell a cute Black Forest clock take a little time to find out how to spell the darn word. It is not choochoo or … More Would you buy a “Cucuko” clock?
Ah, the holiday season is upon us, what to buy? Are you are looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member. An antique clock may not be anything you have considered but wouldn’t it make a terrific gift. If you know a little about antique or vintage clocks or you know nothing … More Antique or Vintage Clocks: The Perfect Unique Gift Ideas
Every clock enthusiast has their own way of doing things and each has a different approach to clock restoration. Am I different? Not really, but I have put some thoughts to paper that you might find interesting. Like everyone I started out knowing virtually nothing about clock restoration but learned as I went. As I … More My Approach to Clock Restoration
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
What is ideal is one clock stand for servicing and testing all clock movements but unfortunately, there are so many different types and styles of movements that one size does not fit all. I have written an article or two on test stands in the past but consolidating all my testing stands into one article … More Clock testing stands for most purposes.
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
I have just one other Kienzle clock in my collection and it is a rather unusual one, the World Time desk clock from the 1940s. I do not come across Kienzle clocks very often. They are no lessor quality than most German clocks, I just don’t see many around this region. The latest is a … More Kienzle time and strike movement servicing
I have a growing collection of clocks with upwards of 85 in my collection. My focus is on clocks made in Canada that are entirely manufactured in this country or companies such as Fleet and Forestville, that assembled clocks with foreign/domestic cases and movements. In addition, I have many other clocks that were made in … More Pursuing a clock on an online auction
One more shot is what it deserves. It had been running fairly well since I serviced it three years ago it but in the last few weeks it has decided to run for about 5 minutes and stop and I think I know the reason why. This Ansonia Extra Drop time-only Rosewood veneered wall clock … More I am very close to replacing the mainspring on a Ansonia time-only movement
Eight years ago I acquired my first Arthur Pequegnat clock. In the years following, I have added to my collection and now have a total of 8. Although my collection of Pequegnat clocks is very modest by comparison to a dedicated Pequegant collector it is a good start and I would certainly like to add … More Arthur Pequegnat clocks in my collection
I want to share my experiences dealing with clock suppliers and let me begin by saying that my experiences have been largely positive. I have been repairing and restoring clocks for the past 10 years and since I live in Canada I generally deal with one mechanical clock parts supplier out of Toronto, Ontario, Perrin. … More Servicing clocks and dealing with clock suppliers
Perhaps recognizable as one of the most common regulator clocks in America, the Seth Thomas Regulator #2 was found in many railway stations, offices. libraries and other public places across America during the last century, a testament to its accuracy and dependability. It is a robust, accurate, well-engineered, and dependable timepiece that was made by … More Seth Thomas #2 has stopped – cleaning and bushing work should put it right
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 or my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump … More Tick Talk Tuesday #31 – nobody wants the family clock
It should have been an easy fix but often when working with clock movements unexpected issues occasionally crop up. The clock was purchased in the fall of 2018. This Seth Thomas #2 Regulator has had little done to it except oiling the movement and cleaning up the case. It is one of the most accurate … More Replacing a suspension spring on a Seth Thomas #2 Regulator
The past year will be remembered for many years. It was a very trying time for many of us but in the midst of the pandemic, there are positives. It was a time of reflection and a time that reminded folks of a past when life was simpler. More and more people have become interested … More Finding a repairperson for your mechanical clock
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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