Recycling Old Timepieces: A Second Chance for Clock Components
In the realm of horology, the author has amassed a collection of antique and vintage clocks, with a special affinity for wall clocks. The journey began with a serendipitous find on a local online for-sale site, where the individual purchased four clocks for a mere $20.
Among the acquisitions were an E N Welch 30-hour Ogee movement and case, an Elisha Manross time and strike steeple clock, an Ansonia Extra Drop time-only, 8-day wall clock with movement, and a Waterbury mantel clock with a replacement quartz movement.
Upon arrival, the clocks were discovered to be in a less-than-pristine condition, having been stored in an attic for many years and covered in dust and grime. Two of the clocks, the Welch ogee and the Waterbury mantel, were beyond repair and were salvaged for parts. The remaining two, the Ansonia Extra Drop and the Elisha Manross steeple clock, were largely intact.
The Ansonia Extra Drop now hangs in the author's office, running daily, while the Elisha Manross steeple clock from 1843 has been cleaned up, serviced, and is now on display. The Elisha Manross steeple clock holds a unique distinction in the author's collection, being the only one with rare brass mainsprings.
An interesting twist came when the author found a Gilbert antique mantel clock for sale. However, the clock's sideways orientation in the photo caused frustration, leading the author to express a wish that it had been oriented correctly. Regrettably, no information was provided regarding the condition or mechanical status of the Gilbert clock.
Repurposing old clock parts is a common practice among clockmakers. They salvage usable mechanical components such as gears, springs, pendulums, and escapements, cleaning, repairing, and incorporating them into new or restored clocks. Veneer from the ogee clock, for instance, was used to cover the finial bases for an old Scottish tall case clock.
This approach not only extends the life of valuable materials but also preserves historical craftsmanship and supports sustainable practices in horology. In fact, digital DIY communities showcase how old clock parts can be transformed into new mechanical devices or artistic creations, demonstrating both traditional and innovative reuse methods.
The author's collection, a testament to this practice, was shared with the world through a YouTube video in January 2019. Even a gingerbread clock, found repainted and with shelves in an antique shop near the author's home, didn't escape the clockmaker's eye, albeit priced at $35.
This journey of acquiring, restoring, and repurposing antique clocks continues, each piece adding a layer of history and craftsmanship to the author's collection.
- The author's fascination with vintage clocks has expanded to other aspects of lifestyle, including fashion-and-beauty, as evidenced by the incorporation of veneer from an old clock into the finial bases of an old Scottish tall case clock.
- In addition to antique clocks, the author's home-and-garden space houses a unique gingerbread clock, found repainted and with shelves in an antique shop.
- The author's love for travel has led to the addition of a rare Gilbert antique mantel clock to the collection, despite the frustrating sideways orientation in the photo.
- The author's collection of wall clocks and other antique clocks is not just a hobby, but a reflection of personal relationships, as the clocks serve as tangible reminders of the journey and the people involved in their acquisition and restoration.
- The author's ongoing passion for cars extends to the world of shopping, as the journey of acquiring, restoring, and repurposing antique clocks often requires careful hunting for bargains, similar to the hunt for rare cars or car parts.
