Repurpose those vintage clock components, don't discard them
In a corner of a quaint office, the ticking of a vintage clock echoes through the room. This is the Ansonia Extra Drop clock, one of several antique and vintage timepieces in the collection of an enthusiastic collector.
The collector, who has been assembling their collection for six years, has a penchant for wall clocks. Their journey began with a modest investment of $20, securing four clocks from a local online marketplace. One of these initial finds was a gingerbread clock, which, after a bit of TLC, was repainted and sold for $35.
The collector's passion for clock restoration is evident in their meticulous approach. They salvage, clean, and restore usable components from vintage clocks beyond repair, often hand-finishing or reworking them for future use.
For instance, damaged silvered brass faces on antique clocks are gently restored by removing the degraded silvering down to the brass with fine sandpaper. After cleaning, the surface is treated with silvering powder and finishing powders, sometimes protected with a clear lacquer to preserve the restoration.
Similarly, clockmakers hand-saw precise components like clock levers and frames from brass sheets to replace or repair broken elements, ensuring exact fit and function. Original wax used in engravings can sometimes be preserved or remelted into cleaned engraving grooves, retaining the clock’s original aesthetic while refreshing its worn elements.
Even when parts cannot be fully restored to original condition, careful conservation like cleaning and protection with lacquer helps preserve components for reuse or as reference for manufacturing new parts. This blend of restoration and repurposing is typical in handling vintage clocks that are otherwise beyond straightforward repair.
The collector's collection boasts a variety of clocks, each with its own story. One such piece is the Elisha Manross steeple clock from 1843, which was found filthy in an attic but has been thoroughly cleaned, serviced, and is now on display.
Unfortunately, not all clocks can be saved. The Welch ogee and the Waterbury mantel clock were beyond repair and were salvaged for parts. Veneer from the ogee clock was even used to cover the finial bases for an old Scottish tall case clock.
It's common for clockmakers to save parts from clocks beyond repair for future use. This practice allows them to maintain the authentic look and functionality of the clock while ensuring that no piece is wasted.
The collector invites others to share in their passion by showcasing their collection in a YouTube video. In January 2019, they took viewers on a tour of their antique and vintage wall clock collection, which can be found at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDomfJYLkjM&t=21s. They welcome comments and questions, encouraging a community of clock enthusiasts to share their knowledge and appreciation for these timeless pieces.
The collector's passion for vintage clocks extends beyond their office walls, as they also showcase their collection in a YouTube video, giving a glimpse into their home-and-garden decor adorned with wall clocks. Their fashion-and-beauty sense even extends to their choice of clocks, as some pieces in their collection, like the Elisha Manross steeple clock, elevate the lifestyle of any room they inhabit. When asked about their unique hobby, the collector often mentions that their journey began with simple purchases from a local online marketplace, eventually leading them to cultivate a valuable collection of vintage clocks that are not just functional but also charming additions to a well-designed living space.
