Spring-Winding Timepiece Servicing in New Haven Lasts for 30 Hours
Maintaining and Restoring 30-Hour New Haven Ogee Shelf Clocks
A 30-hour New Haven Ogee shelf clock, with its splat-top mahogany case and Roman numeral dial, is a charming addition to any home. However, these antique clocks often require careful maintenance and repair due to common issues such as veneer damage, finding replacement parts, and servicing techniques.
Veneer Damage
Over time, the wood veneer on the case can become cracked, chipped, or loose. Repairing this damage requires delicate veneer patching or replacement, carefully matching the wood grain and finish to maintain the antique appearance.
Replacement Parts
Due to their age and mass production, original parts like gears, mainsprings, dials, or hands may be worn or missing. While parts are sometimes available from specialized antique clock part suppliers or donor clocks, exact matches require close inspection. The movement is predominantly spring-driven; sourcing quality mainsprings and bushings is essential.
Servicing Techniques
Proper servicing is crucial to restore smooth operation. Contrary to popular belief, over-winding does not cause damage. Instead, the issue often stems from dried, sticky oil or dirt accumulation in the movement. Restoration should start with thorough cleaning, careful lubrication with correct clock oils, and inspection of bushings and pivots for wear. Springs should be let down fully before winding to evaluate their condition. Repair often includes replacing dried-out lubrication, cleaning mainsprings, and possibly rebushing worn pivot holes.
To keep a New Haven 30-hour Ogee clock running and looking good, it's essential to address cosmetic case veneer problems, cautiously source or fabricate suitable replacement parts, and perform meticulous servicing with cleaning and lubrication.
Case and History
The 30-hour New Haven Ogee shelf clock, likely manufactured between 1875-80, has a brass time, strike, and weight-driven mechanism. The Daniel Pratt Jr. reverse Ogee shelf clock, made in Reading, Massachusetts, around 1832-38, is an example of Connecticut form. The George H. Clark 30-hour Ogee clock is another example.
It's important to note that old clock cases and movements should not be discarded. They can be repurposed or reused, and saving old clock parts for future use is a good practice.
The veneer on the front of the clock may have been stripped, and there is veneer loss on the top right side. The clock measures 18 1/2 by 11 3/4 inches (47cm X 30cm) for the case, and 3 1/2 by 5 inches (9cm X 12.7cm) for the hour strike movement. The clock runs well, keeps good time, and the servicing is pleasing.
The clock case shape is called "og" or "ogee", which describes the "S" curve shape in the primary molding that surrounds the door. The lower tablet of the clock is mirrored. The movement parts were cleaned in a recently acquired Quantrex 140 ultrasonic cleaner. Four bushings were installed on the second and third wheels, front and back plates. The pivots were polished with the Butterworth Bushing Polishing System and Dremel tool. The coil gong is a replacement and is in a slightly different location than the original gong.
In conclusion, maintaining and restoring a 30-hour New Haven Ogee shelf clock involves a combination of cosmetic repair, careful part sourcing, and meticulous servicing. By following these guidelines, you can keep your clock running smoothly while respecting its antique nature.
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