Who knows about old clocks?

[TankGirl]

For our anniversary I am getting my husband an antique tambour style mantle clock, a New Haven circa 1900, and in my research I am happy with the one I am getting, and the price, but I wanted to know a little more about how it works. It has an "eight day movement" and I don't know what that means, unless it means it will run for 8 days on one winding.

Anything I should know about keeping an old clock in good working order?

TIA

 

[fishfreek]

Hm. 8 day movement.

Im thinking that in the olden days there was 8 days a week. U know Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wed, Thursday, Friday, Sat, and Restday. This is how they could get everything done and still have the 'day of rest'. Somewhere in the early 1900s' progress broght about dropping this 8th day as people where able to get everything done in 6 days allowing day 7 to be the day of rest.

I feel that I must be stuck in the 1800's as I need that 8th day to keep up. I think I need one of these 8 day clocks aswell.

 

[TankGirl]

Cool!! I had no idea all I had to do was buy a clock and I get an extra day! That is exactly what I need around here - that's for sure.

The term must refer to people getting together to convince the government to convert to the eight-day way- they would march on Washington and carry signs and that said "Join The 8-Day Movement"

We need that again....

 

[Toirtis]

Correct about the 8-day movement, Tank. The best thing you can do for your old clock is to keep it running and clean...and every 3 years or so, yake it to a professional for cleaning and maintenance (just about every city of decent size has at least one shop that specialises in cleaning/restoration of older clocks.

 

[TankGirl]

Thanks, Toirtis - I do have a very nice clock shop locally that does all kinds of service and restoration, but they want way too much for the kind of clock I wanted so I did not get it there. I'll just have them service it for me periodically, like I do for my sewing machine

Hopefully it won't suffer by being on the mantle above the fireplace, where we burn a lot of fires, since I reckon that is where they were designed to be kept. I guess dry is better than overly humid.

 

[lando]

Toirtis is right on. My Dad owns a jewelry store and is a goldsmith. I earned extra cash in high school and college by repairing clocks. Aside from what Toirtis stated, make sure it the spot you put it is completely level and try not to bump it. Hopefully the place you get it from will package it correctly and not damage the suspension spring. This is the small "spring" that the pendulum attatches to. If it gets bent or the clock is not level, it will not keep accurate time or it will just stop running. Whenever a clock like this is moved the pedulum should alway be removed first. There is a reason these old clocks are still around and running. They are very well built. With regular maintanance they will run forever. Great gift! Post a pic when you get it...Lando

 

[TankGirl]

Thanks - it is coming from a clock dealer and I am pretty confident about the packing, but anything can happen in shipping.

In doing my research and shopping over the past month for this thing I have become really interested in antique clocks, and see so many now that I want! A new obsession.... noooooooo 8O

Here is a picture of the clock:

 

[Melody]

My mom has one that looks just like that... Im pretty sure its rather old... I have been trying to get her to give it to me... its still at her house

I think you made a very nice choice. I also love clocks and have been begging my hubby for a grandfather clock. Its not working. He hates the chimes. I love them. Maybe one day...

 

[Toirtis]

Very nice. What Lando said is spot on...once settled, older clocks are not fond of being moved. My most recent acquistion...a 1930's Westclox alarm clock:

 

[TankGirl]

Melody- you are right about the chimes, my sister had an old wall clock that chimed and she had to put it up in the attic because the sound drove her nuts! I think I will like it, but who knows. I have seen some grandfather type wall clocks, pendulum instead of spring, that I would give my eye teeth for, but I have to cool it - I have about $150 worth of fish to buy in the next month! :|

Toirtis that alarm clock reminds me of one my father had that is likely sitting in a box in my sister's attic - I'm going to have to check it out.