Unusual Challenges Encountered During a 30-hour Maintenance Period Involving Chauncey Jerome
In the heart of an antique shop, a hidden gem was discovered – an Ogee clock, the oldest in a collection of five, dating back to 1845. The clock, signed "C. Jerome" on its dial, was not originally sought by its new owner, but it quickly became a treasured addition to their collection.
The clock's movement, a Type 1.311 Jerome movement, required some repairs due to the wear and tear that comes with age. The parts of the movement were pre-cleaned before being put in an ultrasonic, ensuring a thorough cleaning. Almost no wear was found on the pivots after cleaning and drying, a testament to the clock's well-maintained history.
The movement's repairs included replacing three bushings and the pressure washer for the time side main wheel. Six bushings were installed instead of the planned five, including one for the second wheel on the time side front plate. The escape wheel was left as-is, as the wear was acceptable. A dab of Loctite Red was used to fix the loose trundle.
The movement was reassembled and tested, with everything going as expected. However, the leader and suspension springs were missing, adding to the list of parts to be sourced.
Ogee clocks, produced from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries, are known for their wooden movement parts, trim pieces, case screws, weights and chains, pendulum bobs, winding keys, painted panels, glass or mirrors, labels, and paperwork. These components are often subject to wear, damage, or loss over time.
In this particular clock, wooden movement parts such as pivots and bushings, gears, and small springs like those in the winding mechanism, were among the components that needed attention. Decorative trim pieces and case screws were also checked for any signs of damage or loss.
The case and the movement of the clock are likely original to each other, adding to the clock's historical significance. The case label inside the clock case was printed by John Benham in 1845, further confirming the clock's age.
A donor New Haven 30-hour movement was obtained for the replacement washer, ensuring the clock's proper functioning. The restoration process serves as a testament to the care and attention required to preserve these classic American shelf clocks for future generations to appreciate.
The new owner, captivated by the antique charm, decided to incorporate the restored Ogee clock into their lifestyle. They began to research more about vintage clocks, discovering a hidden passion for fashion-and-beauty items of yesteryears.
In the process of restoring the clock, the importance of technology in maintaining the mechanical accuracy of the timepiece was realized. A thorough understanding of data-and-cloud-computing became crucial in sourcing the missing leader and suspension springs.
The repair process didn't just involve home-and-garden tasks like cleaning and drying but also focused on technology-driven steps such as ultrasonic cleaning and replacement of bushings. This progressive fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology resurrected the illustrious Ogee clock.
As the sensational story of the clock repair spread amongst local antique enthusiasts, it stimulated conversations around entertainment and general news. It raised awareness about the preservation of education-and-self-development materials like books that often tell captivating stories similar to that of the beloved Ogee clock.
Through the intricate process of clock repair, the owner discovered a profound connection with history. They began to invest more in education-and-self-development books, especially ones focusing on American history and horology. This inspired them to contribute towards the community library, ensuring future generations could learn and appreciate the rich heritage hidden within antique pieces like the Ogee clock.
