Posted 9 years ago
Irreantum
(1 item)
this clock was working when I was younger, but hasn't worked for a number of years now. The family story was that it came around the Horn to Victoria BC with my gr-gr-grandmother, but that story doesn't add up, so we're not sure what year it was made, or how it came to be in Victoria, BC. The faded paper on the back of the clock reads '2259' Eventually I will take it to be repaired and restored.
Is this photo upside down? After standing on my head I can now see that it's really nice!
Yes....sorry...the photo is upside down bit I couldn't see how to edit it!
I think this clock may have originated in Australia...!
Bruce99 and others will be around eventually to give you some excellent information on it.
must be from down under Australia because its upside down ...smiling nice clockkkkkkkkkkkkk
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Well, that didn't turn out so well - the text in the above comment was supposed to be upside down!
lol cute...
Sitting on its head likely really messes with the pendulum motion. There may be an easy solution to get it running again...!
I fixed it! love the comments though when it was upside down.....obviously 'clock' people have a good sense of humour!
I think as an upside down novelty clock it might have been worth a bit more; now it's just a plain old cool looking antique mantel clock! I'm looking forward to learning more about it.
By the time the experts get here they'll want to know its dimensions and if there's any names/numbers stamped into the back of the clockwork movement, so you may want to update your description in preparation.
As you already know, it has a Waterbury Clock Co. logo on the dial. It looks to be made of black enameled iron or perhaps marble.
The style in general is the Black Mantel Clock. They were popular around 1900 give or take 10 years.
I'll see if I can find anything in my references. In the meantime, Kydur is right:
please provide the following:
Any and all information printed, stamped or labeled on the dial, movement, case, pendulum and key. This includes names, trademarks, serial/model/patent numbers and dates.
Measurements of the dial and case. Please take measurements at the longest, widest, and deepest points only.
Well lit photos of the entire case, with close-ups of the dial, movement and any distinctive decorative feature(s) or labels.
Please note if the case appears to have a simulated or "faux" finish.
This information will be very helpful, but it still may not lead to a definitive model or date.
From the information and photos you've provided thus far it looks like your heirloom is an Enameled Iron Case Waterbury Mantel Clock called the "Bothnia" from circa 1893. It originally listed for $13 to $14.50 depending upon the dial and whether it had a special Visible Escapement or not. The one you show would be the $13 version. If your clock is a "Bothnia" it should measure 10 5/8" high by 13 5/8" wide. The dial would measure 5 1/2". Hope that solves your mystery. If so, please indicate that your mystery is solved in your listing. If that is not your clock, please provide the requested information and let us know what other questions you have. Thanks for sharing.
Bruce99...I appreciate your comments! thankyou!
the dimensions of the clock are as you said above. The patent number on the clock movement is O V 1 1881
There is no info on the pendulum and at this point I don't have the key, though it is probably at the cottage. Amazingly enough, the clock is now actually ticking and chiming! It hasn't done that in decades....must be happy in its new home :)
It's a puzzle as to why we thought it was older than it is....I guess family stories get twisted some in the telling.
Would these clocks have been sold only in the USA or would some have been distributed further afield, as in western Canada?
Hi Irreantum, The "Circa" is just a general guideline. The clock could have been manufactured before or after that date but certainly not before 1881 since that is the date of the patent cited on the movement. The Waterbury Clock Company has an interesting history. I'm sure they sold clocks wherever they could find a market. They also sold through Retail Catalogs so there's no reason I can think of that they wouldn't sell Internationally. See: http://www.collectorsweekly.com/clocks/waterbury
Thanks again for sharing!