Posted 4 years ago
Gage_rober…
(68 items)
Here are some more in detail photos of the clock
The dimensions are about as follows:
Height: 11 inches
Width: (from bottom of case) 9 1/4 inches
Length: (from bottom of case) 15 3/4 inches
Let me know if you would like me to take the movement out of the case to determine the cast label and/or if you need any other photos or details.
Also you may notice i have given the case a good thourough cleaning. I ended up taking off All the the metal, (such as the feet, side ornaments, pillars, and face). Unfortunately the more i took off the more damage was revealed on the finish. Does anyone have any advice as to what I can or should do to repair this finish? Let me know if you need more photos for this too. Thanks
One additional thing I will note is that on the back side of the case on the top is the number ‘86’
Any help is much appreciated!
See what I mean bruce? The speed adjuster is on the top but not the middle. Also, are you sure that the clock would have been made in 1900? I though production was stopped around there because of ongoing fires at the forrestville plant?
Would somebody give a hint as to where it was made ?
Hello Gage,
The nearest model match in my references is the Welch "Karina" from circa 1900. I kind of doubt that your clock is much older than that.
I think that you have what is commonly known as a "Marriage" here. The case, movement and/or dial are from different models and perhaps even different manufacturers.
In addition to the speed adjuster (regulator) that you've pointed out, another tell-tale sign are "extra" screw holes where the movement is fastened to the case.
The paper label looks a little too fresh to be over a century old to me. I would guess that someone pasted a reproduction label after tearing off pieces from around the edges.
Another thing is that the hour and minute hands don't match. The hour hand is of a style called Fleur de lis, while the minute hand style is called Maltese.
We're getting away from the primary focus of the website here. For repair/refinishing advice I would recommend that you visit the NAWCC website's Forums Community. Here's a link: https://mb.nawcc.org/pages/community/
It's a pretty deep rabbit hole over there. I'm "Bruce Alexander" over there. If you become a registered member (it's free to the public), let me know and I'll try to help you get off to a good start.
Regards,
Bruce
Thanks for the help bruce, I appreciate it. One thing I will note in addition is after taking the movement out of the case, I could notice that it is in fact a Welch movement
You're welcome Gage.
Based upon your own observations, the dial doesn't match the movement configuration though. Were there any extra holes in the case where the movement is mounted? It might mean that just the dial has been swapped out, or the clock may have been made from numerous spare parts. American manufacturers made a lot of different movement designs.
You can never really know about an antique clock until you begin to disassemble it. Although there are often clues, there are also a lot of nooks and crannies. They have gone through a lot of hands before we see them. It hasn't been thrown away or otherwise destroyed. You got it for a low price. If you like the clock, it doesn't really matter. Enjoy it for what it is and what it has been through.
Regards,
Bruce
There are no other holes where the movement is mounted, although there may appear to be some because I had attempted to shift the movement because the winding points were to difficult to access with the key because they were pressing up against the holes on the dial. I was unsuccesful, but when I got the clock there were no extra holes where the movement is mounted. My dad looked at it, and he seems to think that at some point the case was dropped. The right side trim on the top of the case is slightly loose, and there is a lot of chipping all over the top. I am thinking that if the clock was dropped, the original dial may have gotton smashed or otherwise destroyed to the point where they could't fix it, so they either replaced the entire, or maybe only parts of the dial. I notice that when I took the movement out there as a lot of soddering that had taken place at the back of the dial. Also, I think that at some point the top may have been painted white, as under the black touch up paint that has chipped off there appears to have been a white layer at some point. I also see some remnants of green in on the top too. Anyway, I will be looking into creating an account on the NAWCC website. I have always wanted to, just never got to it.
@blunderbuss2 The clock was made in Forrestville, Connecticut.
That would explain a lot Gage.
Thanks. I wasn't familiar with the name.
blunderbuss2, Welch is mentioned briefly in the history of the Sessions Clock Company. For a little more info, see this short history on the CW Website: https://www.collectorsweekly.com/clocks/sessions
Bruce, I like clocks but no a fanatic and had never seen that name. We are on Island Time and if somebody asks for the time, we would say, May. If they want it more precise, we would say, early May. Just noticed that tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo and it falls on the 5th. LOL !
Okay. May the 4th be with you. :) (Star Wars Day)
Ok Bruce I managed to create an account. What should I do next?
Okay, good. I am a member but I was pretty sure that the Forums were/are free to the public. I would suggest that you read over this page: https://mb.nawcc.org/pages/community/
Then just lurk and explore. What is your screen name there? I'll contact you.
My screen name is Gage_robertson_collector
(Same as on here)
Got it. I sent a private message so you'll be able to find me if you have questions.
Great, thanks a lot Bruce.
You're welcome Gage. I'll see you over there.