The enigma regarding the hall clock has finally been unravelled
In the spring of 2021, an intriguing antique hall clock made its way onto an online for-sale site. The item purchased was an antique hall clock, but its unique features soon became apparent.
Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the weight cans were fake, hinting at a hidden truth about the clock's inner workings. Contrary to the common expectation, the movement of this hall clock runs at 72 bpm, not the usual 60 bpm. This anomaly is explained by the clock's spring-driven New Haven mechanical movement, a feature that allows for more compact design and easier installation in rooms with limited vertical space.
The movement plates of the clock are pinned rather than held with screws or nuts, suggesting an older New Haven movement. However, further investigation revealed that the clock did not start life as a New Haven factory clock. Instead, it was initially a grandfather clock with a spring-driven movement, and its cabinet was likely made separately. A New Haven movement, dial face, numbers, hands, chains, and weight cans were installed as a kit.
The ladder chains, crudely screwed onto the backboard, simulate a weight-driven movement, a design choice perhaps made to maintain the traditional appearance of a weight-driven clock. Yet, the absence of hanging weights and the ease of placement and movement without concern for their positioning indicate a spring-driven mechanism.
The clock's case, larger than initially expected, lifts off for easier relocation, with both the base and the top crown detachable. However, there is no evidence of a seat board in the case, another clue pointing towards a spring-driven mechanism.
One of the most puzzling aspects of this antique hall clock is the cord tied to the strike lever. Despite numerous attempts, the purpose of this cord remains unknown.
The seller, who had bought the clock 20 years ago and was now downsizing, provided no further information about the clock's history. The movement was removed from the case and mounted on a test stand for further examination. Despite its enigmatic past, this antique hall clock continues to captivate with its intriguing design and hidden secrets.
- The intriguing antique hall clock, which captured interest in the spring of 2021, showcases an unusual blend of modern technology with vintage elegance in its spring-driven New Haven mechanical movement, a striking contrast to the common fashion-and-beauty and lifestyle expectations of a traditional weight-driven clock.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts might be surprised to learn that this antique hall clock, with its detachable base and top crown, is more practical and adaptable than it appears, allowing for easier repositioning, a feature that when combined with its advanced gadget, the spring-driven mechanism, makes it an unusual addition to any home decor.
- This enigmatic antique hall clock, with its hidden secrets such as the cord tied to the strike lever and its unique transformation from a weight-driven grandfather clock to a spring-driven hall clock, may spark questions in the realm of vintage clocks or even technology, adding an element of mystery to both collections.
