Regrettable mishap: calamity arising from a malfunction in a timepiece
The Fate of a Gingerbread Clock: A Matter of Controversy
In an unexpected turn of events, a rare gingerbread clock, a mantel clock with roots in the mid-19th century, has found its way into an antique shop near the home of a clock collector. The clock, made by the esteemed E. Ingraham Company, is not a Grandmother clock, but rather a kitchen or gingerbread clock, commonly known for its intricate carvings and Victorian-era aesthetics.
However, this particular gingerbread clock has undergone a transformation that has sparked controversy. It has been repainted and converted into a curio cabinet, a move that the speaker finds appalling. The speaker suggests that the clock could have been left as an ornament instead of being converted.
The repainted case is being sold for $35, but a similar parlour clock, largely intact, is available for $20 more. The speaker maintains a neutral stance on the parlour clock, focusing instead on the fate of the gingerbread clock.
The speaker is not a huge fan of gingerbread clocks, but they acknowledge the historical significance of these pieces. Gingerbread clocks were very popular in America at the turn of the 20th century, and today, they are prized by collectors for their rarity and craftsmanship.
The gingerbread clock, unfortunately, is destined to become a parts clock. Stripping a clock case can be a controversial approach to clock restoration, as it alters the original design and character of the piece. The speaker's disappointment is palpable, as they express that the conversion of the gingerbread clock into a curio cabinet is appalling.
The three of the four clocks bought at auction can be saved, but not the gingerbread clock. As the clock community continues to debate the merits of clock restoration, the fate of this unique piece serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical artefacts in their original form.
[1] History of Gingerbread Clocks
[2] Collectibility of Gingerbread Clocks
- The speaker finds it appalling that the vintage gingerbread clock, with its roots in the mid-19th century and popular in America at the turn of the 20th century, has been repainted and converted into a curio cabinet, losing its original form and historical significance.
- The fate of the gingerbread clock, a prized collectible due to its rarity and craftsmanship, raises questions about the preservation of vintage fashion-and-beauty items and home-and-garden artifacts, as it underscores the importance of maintaining the originality and integrity of historical artefacts for future generations.
