The enigma surrounding the hall clock has been resolved
A New Acquisition: An Antique Hall Clock with a Spring-Driven Movement
A dedicated clock enthusiast has recently added a unique piece to their collection – an antique hall clock with a spring-driven New Haven movement. The owner, who has been searching for an Arthur Pequegnat hall clock for a couple of years, stumbled upon this mystery item on an online for-sale site this spring.
The clock, larger than expected and solid, fit comfortably into a station wagon and weighed considerably less than a traditional weight-driven hall clock. Upon closer inspection, the owner discovered that the weights were, in fact, decorative and the ladder chains were screwed onto the backboard to simulate a weight-driven movement – a common feature in Mission style hall clocks.
Spring-driven movements have been a practical alternative to traditional weight-driven systems since early American mass-produced clocks, including those by makers like Seth Thomas, began using such mechanisms. Springs allow the clock to be more compact and portable since they do not require hanging weights and long cases, making the movement simpler and easier to manufacture at scale.
This hybrid approach was common as American clock manufacturers transitioned from weight-driven to spring-driven systems without compromising the familiar aesthetic hall clock style. The internal mechanism of the newly acquired clock, while hidden, runs at 72 beats per minute, not the typical 60 bpm for a hall clock.
The movement is stamped with a number 27, possibly indicating the length of the pendulum in inches. The movement plates are pinned rather than held with screws or nuts, suggesting an older New Haven movement.
The seller, who had bought the clock 20 years ago and was downsizing, contacted the owner the same day they saw the listing. The cabinet of the antique hall clock was likely made separately and not originally part of the clock.
The owner, excited by their new find, plans to service the movement and clean the case in the near future. They will be looking for articles on movement servicing and case cleaning to ensure the clock is restored to its former glory. This acquisition marks another fascinating addition to the owner's collection and adds to the ongoing series about antique and vintage clocks.
The owner's recent acquisition, an antique hall clock with a spring-driven New Haven movement, aligns with their interest in vintage clocks, making it a suitable addition to their lifestyle. With its innovative hybrid design blending the traditional aesthetic of home-and-garden decor with the modern practicality of gadgets and technology, the antique clock promises to be an intriguing centerpiece in their collection.
