Refreshed Waterbury Wren Shelf Clock Case
In the heart of an antique store near the writer's home, a hidden gem has been discovered – a Waterbury Wren cabinet clock, a marriage of Waterbury and Seth Thomas. This fascinating timepiece, standing tall at 13 1/8 feet, has been given a new lease of life after a meticulous restoration process.
The Waterbury Clock Company, an American manufacturer founded in the mid-19th century, is known for producing the Waterbury Wren model, a style or line of mantle or cabinet clocks popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This particular Waterbury Wren cabinet clock boasts a wooden case adorned with decorative veneer, a common characteristic of the model, and an embossed dial pan for a Waterbury Wren shelf clock C.1895.
However, this clock has an intriguing twist – it houses an 8-day Seth Thomas movement, a testament to the common practice of combining clock cases from one manufacturer with movements from another during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This practice, known as the "marriage" of clockmakers' movements, was quite prevalent due to economic reasons, supplier relationships, and repair practices.
The restoration process began with a thorough cleaning and repainting of the clock's dial and the application of shellac to improve the case's appearance. Unfortunately, the clock is currently missing its top crown and is in search of a matching glass and bezel. Two other pieces had to be reglued: a support piece for the crown and a crosspiece in the back for one of the sides of the crown.
The top finial on the right of the case is not correctly aligned with the bottom column, adding to the clock's unique charm. Despite the challenges, the clock's movement is undergoing testing, and once complete, the case and the movement will be reassembled.
The search results did not provide any relevant information on the history or characteristics of Waterbury Wren cabinet clocks or the "marriage" of Waterbury and other clockmakers' movements. For more detailed or specific information, specialized horological reference books or antique clock specialists would be recommended.
This Waterbury Wren marriage clock serves as a testament to the rich history and intricate craftsmanship of American clockmaking during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As the restoration process continues, the clock will undoubtedly regain its former glory, standing tall and ticking away, a reminder of a bygone era.
This unique Waterbury Wren cabinet clock, a fascinating blend of Waterbury and Seth Thomas, is a valuable addition to any vintage home-and-garden collection. Its restoration reveals the intricate fashion-and-beauty of the late 19th and early 20th-century American lifestyle, as shown in the artistry of its decorative veneer and embossed dial pan.
