Maintaining the Mechanics of a Seth Thomas 8-Day Clock Movement
A Unique "Marriage Clock": Waterbury Wren Shelf Clock with a Seth Thomas Movement
In the intricate world of antique clock collecting, a unique find has emerged - a Waterbury Wren shelf clock with a Seth Thomas movement, often referred to as a "marriage clock" or a "hybrid" clock. This term is used due to the combination of the distinctive Waterbury Wren case with a movement from another renowned American clock manufacturer, Seth Thomas.
The Waterbury Wren model, originally produced by the Waterbury Clock Company, is a distinctive and much-loved shelf or mantel clock. On the other hand, the Seth Thomas movement is a high-quality clock mechanism known for its precision and durability. The pairing of these two iconic parts creates a notable example of period clocks where movements have been replaced or interchanged, sometimes for restoration or functional purposes.
Upon initial examination, this particular clock was believed to have an Ansonia movement. However, further investigation revealed that it is, in fact, a Wren by the Waterbury Clock Company, with a Seth Thomas movement. The absence of a trademark or name on the dial or a label in the back of the case adds to the mystery of its origins.
The clock features a hip style Seth Thomas movement, specifically type 44, which was used from 1890 to 1903. The mainsprings of the movement are in good shape and still bear the original Seth Thomas trademarks. The movement has a speed regulating feature called a set-back counter weight, making it an overly complicated yet intriguing piece.
During the restoration process, a 5-step block jig was used to stabilize the escape wheel bridge during drilling, and a bushing was required for the strike pin wheel. However, accessing the bushing from inside the plate proved challenging, leading to drilling from the outside. Despite this, the old bushing came out during the last drilling step, indicating a loose fit for the new bushing.
Although the clock is running well currently, the regulating worm gear needs to be installed. A block from a staking set was used to stabilize the bushing from the inside during installation. The count wheel and the strike pin wheel are side by side in the clock movement, adding to its intricate design.
While this marriage clock is a fascinating find, it may be worth less to those who are particular about such matters due to its mixed origins. Nevertheless, it remains a captivating piece of horological history and a testament to the craftsmanship of both the Waterbury Clock Company and Seth Thomas.
This unique "marriage clock" showcases the union of two well-known companies in the home-and-garden sphere, the Waterbury Clock Company and Seth Thomas, with the Waterbury Wren case and a Seth Thomas movement. In the realm of vintage clocks, specifically mantel clocks, this gadget fusion embodies the essence of lifestyle and technology from the past. As such, it could be a captivating addition to any home-and-garden or vintage clocks collection.
