Posted 3 years ago
Gage_rober…
(68 items)
Here is a New Haven Mantle clock I picked up for thirty five dollars on ebay. It is rough, and is going to need a lot of TLC to get it up and running, the case will have to be sanded down, repainted, and re gilded, and the movement will have to be overhauled, (not to mention the dial) I have already taken apart the greasy movement and cleaned it, and it is going to need new bushings. My question is, does anyone know the exact year this clock was made? I am pretty sure it was made some point after 1904 because that is when the company started labeling their clocks The New Haven Clock Co. The label on the back says the model is PEMBROKE. Also, if anyone knows anyone that can replace bushings that would be greatly appreciated as well! Thanks!
(Sorry for the messy workbench) haha
Looks neat as a pin to me…I was just in my son’s garage yesterday…you haven’t seen “messy” till you’ve seen that sight!
Hey Gage,
My reference has the Pembroke at circa 1911 or so. Your example could have been manufactured several years before or after that date of course...so...you are right with your 1904 benchmark.
It looks like you may be missing the Bezel/Glass over the dial too. Try to find a replacement as the glass helps to keep dust out of the movement (enters through the winding arbor holes). Dust is the bane of clock and watch movements.
Bushing a movement's plates is best done when you have the movement apart for proper cleaning. Sure, you can have folks do a professional overhaul for you, but you might also consider learning how to do it yourself. You'd have to tool up with the basics, but if you are going to make restoring Clocks a passion and/or hobby, I'd recommend that you dive right in. Folks on the NAWCC's Forums can help you get started and will guide you through any questions or problems you may encounter.
You know my screen name over there. Drop me a line if you want help getting started.
As far as the 6 inch dial is concerned, it was originally "Ivorine" or "Pearl". You can take an photo of the dial as it is. Use a photo editing app/program to properly size and clean up the image, then take the file to a print shop to have it laser printed on archival stock and laminated. Make several copies because getting it just right on the first attempt would be a matter of both luck and handy skills.
Since you need a Bezel, you might set up a saved eBay Search to see if you can acquire an appropriate Bezel/Sash/Dial replacement.
The catalog described the model as...
11" high by 16" wide.
Dial "Ivorine or Pearl
Case, Black enameled wood with marbelized mouldings
Finish on Trimmings, Gilt or Bronze
Movement, 8 Day Half-Hour Strike, Cathedral Gong.
The clock originally listed for $9.15. Adjust for inflation and that comes out to just under $264 in 2021...so...a nice example of an American Black Mantel Clock.
Thanks for sharing. Hope you'll be able t o post some "After" photos once you have this beauty repaired/restored.
Good luck. (Never hurts to have some)
Bruce
@Bruce99 thanks a lot Bruce, I always look forward to your comments on my posts. You mentioned that the metal trim had gilt or bronze finish, my clock seems to have a chrome/ steel look to them once I clean them up. The underside of the feet on the clock has a very slight residue of bronze/ gold in the screw holes but that may just be dirt or grit, did antique mantle clocks ever have a raw steel finish on the ornamentation? I don’t think I scraped off the original spelter finish as I was only using a brass wire brush. Thanks,
- Gage
Hello Gage,
The metal feet and ornamentation is most often cast from Spelter or Zinc Alloy, which is then given a finish coat of some type. It wears off. The remnants you see around the screw holes are most likely what's left of the original finish. Some ornamentation was given a silver finish. Whether that was real silver or not, I don't know. There are several ways to reapply a finish. Metal Paints, immitation gilt/gold leaf, Rub-N-Buff. Take your pick. As usual, you'll find more guidance on what and how over in the NAWCC's Forums. That discussion really goes beyond the scope of CW I think.
BTW, you're very welcome. If that solves your mystery, please indicate "Mystery Solved" in your post. Thanks.