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In the heart of New Haven, Connecticut, the New Haven Clock Company was established in 1853, initially specialising in manufacturing clock movements. Known for their mechanical robustness, their 8-day movements with hour striking were a hallmark, and they produced a broad range of clocks, including tall case models, during the late 19th century into the early 20th century [1][3].
The tall case clock in question, featuring an 8-day mechanical movement, is a testament to New Haven’s craftsmanship post-1856 acquisition of Chauncey Jerome’s operation. Although specific model names for tall case clocks are less documented than their schoolhouse or regulator clocks, the company’s rich history in both movements and cases provides solid provenance and comparables among American clockmakers of that period [1][2][3].
The movement, with a 27-inch pendulum, corresponds to 4350 beats per hour or 72.5 beats per minute (BPM). The third wheel locking pin is positioned in the 12 o'clock position on the strike side, and the strike side mainspring is a replacement due to a mainspring break. The movement has been reassembled, and the movement will be run for at least two more 8-day cycles before returning it to its case [1].
During the overhaul process, a few anomalies were discovered. A bent arbour, the second wheel, was found during polishing. A staking tool was used to straighten the bent arbour. Interestingly, an additional piece was soldered onto the escape wheel bridge, and two pieces of brass were jammed into the arbour. Moreover, the mainsprings could not be removed [1].
The case of the clock is very dirty with over 100 years of grime. A 1.50 mm ID Bergeon bushing was installed on the escape wheel bridge. The movement has some pivot hole wear on the lower parts of the trains, but the gears mesh nicely. The movement was synced to get the count and drop levers right the first time [1].
The tall case clock stand is ideal for testing the large movement with a long pendulum. The movement in question did not originate from the New Haven Clock Company's factory, but it carries the legacy of a company that played a significant role in American clockmaking history [1].
References: [1] New Haven Clock Company. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Haven_Clock_Company [2] Tall Case Clocks. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tall-case_clock [3] Tall Case Clocks - New Haven Clock Company. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.clockworks.com/clocks/new-haven/tall-case-clocks.html [4] American Clockmakers. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_clockmakers
In the process of restoring an antique tall case clock, it was discovered that the movement was not originally from the New Haven Clock Company, yet it shares the company's legacy in mechanical precision. Beyond traditional clocks, the restored piece could be paired with a smart-home-device, transforming it into a modern vintage gadget, blending old-world craftsmanship with contemporary technology.
