Refurbishing a Time-Worn School Clock in New Haven's Educational Institution
In the heart of Brantford, Ontario, Canada, the New Haven Clock Co. of Canada plant was bustling with activity in 1906. One of the clocks produced during this year was a "Canadian made" New Haven Octagonal short drop wall clock, a piece that would later find a home in a schoolhouse in Saskatchewan, Alberta in the 1960s.
Fast forward to the present day, and this vintage clock has undergone a meticulous restoration process. The journey began with a broken piece of the helper wire/spring on the drop lever, necessitating the creation of a new wire/spring. Additionally, the clock stopped every few hours during testing due to an incorrectly aligned lever on the strike side.
The movement of the clock was very dirty, with the cleaning solution in the ultrasonic cleaner being dark brown in colour, reflecting the lack of proper attention the clock had received over the years. However, after servicing, which included the installation of 15 bushings, the clock ran beautifully, completing a full 8-day cycle without any issues during post-assembly testing.
The New Haven Octagonal short drop wall clock, with its 3 levers, is a testament to the utilitarian role it played as a schoolhouse clock. The hammer strike lever (Lever number 1) is activated by the hammer lifting pins on the cam wheel, while the drop and paddle lever (Lever number 2) performs multiple tasks, including pushing the unlocking lever and forming the paddle that indicates the strike. The correct positioning of the levers ensured the clock ran smoothly.
The drop and paddle lever (Lever number 2) must be on the upper rear part of the slot on the cam to work correctly. The centre cannon arbour, which was very loose, also required a bushing to function optimally.
The New Haven Clock Company of Canada was a subsidiary of the New Haven Clock Company of America, a company widely known for producing clocks and alarm clocks, especially in the mid-20th century. While specific detailed history of the Canadian subsidiary’s corporation, market strategy, or product lines during this timeframe is not readily found in the provided sources, it is clear that the company produced quality clocks, as evidenced by the restored New Haven Octagonal short drop wall clock.
Now, after the movement has been mounted back into its case and is being regulated, the clock stands proudly in a living room, ready to keep time for years to come. It's a testament to the enduring quality of these vintage clocks and the craftsmanship of the New Haven Clock Company.
This restored vintage New Haven Octagonal short drop wall clock, a relic from 1906, is now a showpiece in a modern living room. Its meticulous repair process involved the replacement of a broken helper wire/spring on the drop lever and the realignment of the leap on the strike side, thereby ensuring smooth functioning. The revitalized clock, complete with 15 Bushings, is a testament to the robustness of the New Haven Clock Company's craftsmanship.
In the realm of home-and-garden gadgets, this clock embodies both vintage charm and futuristic precision, blending lifestyle aesthetics with the reliability of technology. The involvement of clock repair techniques in its restoration process further highlights its significance.
As part of the home-and-garden living space, this wall clock adds a touch of elegance, a contrast to the digitalized world of smart phones and watches. In comparison to today's technology-driven gadgets, it offers a different charm, appealing to those who value the aesthetics of vintage clocks.
Despite being over a century old, the New Haven Octagonal short drop wall clock, with its three levers and intricate cam mechanisms, continues to function flawlessly. Its placement in a contemporary setting showcases the timeless beauty and utility of vintage clocks, making a compelling statement about the enduring quality of the New Haven Clock Company's products.
