Ogee clock's internal mechanics and face features, as demonstrated by George H Clark
Restoring a George H. Clark 30-hour Ogee Clock: A Journey Through Time
The George H. Clark 30-hour Ogee clock, a classic American shelf clock from the mid-19th century, recently underwent a meticulous restoration process. This clock, recognized for its distinctive Ogee case form and brass time and strike, weight-driven movement, is a testament to the craftsmanship of the 19th-century American clockmakers.
The Ogee-shaped wood case, adorned with reverse-painted glass, showcases the elegance of this timepiece. The painted metal dial, displaying a simple 12-hour time format with Roman numerals, is typical of domestic clocks from that era. The movement, a 30-hour single wind mechanical movement, is relatively simple, reflecting its affordable construction aimed at middle-class consumers.
The restoration process involved careful cleaning and servicing of the movement to ensure proper timekeeping, replacement or repair of worn bushings, oiling pivots, and possibly repairing or stabilizing the wood case and restoring the glass panel's reverse painting without damaging the original artwork. Dial restoration may include repainting or touch-up if faded, but collectors often prefer to keep the original patina to retain value.
Interestingly, the movement of this particular clock resembles an early (unmarked) Waterbury, ca. 1860 type 2.411. The interior of the clock features an excellent original printed paper label reading "Made and Sold at/46 Courtlandt St/New York..." and "George H. Clark", adding to its historical significance.
The rectangular shaped case, decorated with nicely grained mahogany veneers, measures 28 x 17 x 4.5". The dial face of the clock is fitted with clear glass and features a painted wood dial, a Roman numeral time track, and a beehive painted tablet (a replacement). The previous owner took good care of the clock's case, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The clock's case form, called an "og" or "ogee", a mathematical term that describes the "S" curve shape in the primary molding that surrounds the door, is a defining feature of this clock. Despite many being made, well-preserved examples like this one retain historical interest as representative of 19th-century American clockmaking aimed at making timekeeping accessible to a wide audience.
As the restoration process nears completion, this George H. Clark 30-hour Ogee clock is expected to run reliably for many more years, continuing to serve as a charming reminder of the past and a testament to the craftsmanship of its era.
- The restoration of a vintage George H. Clark 30-hour Ogee clock not only demonstrates the skill of 19th-century American clockmakers, but also contributes to maintaining classic lifestyle pieces, such as fashion-and-beauty collectibles and home-and-garden antiques.
- With its repair now complete, this beautifully refurbished vintage clock is a stunning addition to any home, elegantly blending fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden décor with its Ogee-shaped wooden case and ornate reverse-painted glass panel.
