Antique Clock Found in the Basement

by Gregg
(NJ)

Antique Wood Works Clock

This clock was bought by my father's parents at least over 50 years ago as they were antique collectors.

My father does not recollect them ever having it work, but it seems to be complete and I believe it could work if the weights were restrung.

It has three weights, but I think it only needs two based on the two winding holes.

I will take it to my clock guy who did an awesome job fixing my Ithaca Calendar Clock to see if he can put some life back into it.

It seems in very good shape and is all original, though I am curious why part of some of the "V's" and "X's" on the dial are missing.

Thanks to Bill Harveson for providing me with some historical information regarding this clock and for this site to share the picture on.

I would be interested in and appreciate any advice, tips, or information you folks might have.

Gregg

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Fixed and working, sorta
by: Gregg

I had it re-strung, cleaned and about 6 bushings replaced.

My father had it working for about the 1st 6 months, but then it decided to be a bit temperamental as it wouldn't keep ticking during X-Mas (I think it/cord was wound too tight), but seems to now keep good time, but chime is being temperamental.

Fun when it works consistently.

stringing your weights
by: Anonymous

Don't do as I did, and use fishing line, thinking it will last and not deteriorate like the cotton cord.
The fish line puts too much pressure on the pulleys over which it passes, and binds...use the cotton string cord.

A Henry Terry Wook Works Clock
by: Bill Harveson

That clock is in beautiful condition for being in a basement! (It sure couldn't come out of my basement looking like that.)

When I looked at all the pictures you emailed me, I was able to see that it was made by Henry Terry, who was the son of Eli Terry ( the father of mass produced clocks). He started making clocks in 1830 and retired from clockmaking in 1836. So as you can see dating your clock very closely is easy. He only was in the business for 6 years.

Your clock is called a "half-column clock" and was patented in 1830 by Eli Terry, Plymouth, Ct. Although Henry was Eli's son, they were not in business together, but, Dad let his sons use his patents to build their clocks. As far as why the x's and v's have parts missing, I do not know. Maybe someone else here will have some insight on that

Thanks for sharing this clock with us.

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