Continued from page Restoration Page 1 . . .

After much discussion it was decided to leave the glass un-decorated to show off the two paired burl walnut panels that decorate the back of the clock case.  They really show off beautifully when people look at the clock.

The Burl Panels

HANDS & PULLEYS

One original hand (minute) and one pulley was still with the Rodgers clock when purchased.  Both these items needed to be used as models to replicate the missing hand and the missing pulley.  They were sent out to noted machinist John Hotz.  He spent a few months studying the pieces and came back with replicas of a quality I have rarely ever seen.  You can see the quality of his work in the pictures shown below.  Simply outstanding!

       The original hand as received with the clock                                                    The two hands (one old, one new) restored to the clock

The weight and pulley as installed                                               A detail of the replicated pulley, outstanding work!

MOVEMENT

The movement of the clock is very similar to those found in larger George Jones regulators of the period.  The question has always been were they made here or imported from Great Britain?  I tend to think that they were likely made here to order.  I believe this for many reasons, the most important one being cost effectiveness.  They would have been expensive to bring into this country at the time.  In 1870 it took $5.59 to purchase 1 British pound. Most high-end American clocks floated between $200-$800 dollars in the last quarter of the 19th century.  Imagine a high end movement costing around $20, or 20 pounds.  That would make a British import movement over $100, not counting any import duties, shipping, etc.  It does not make sense!  American clockmakers had nearly always made their own movements since brass was first made available cheaply in the 2nd quarter of the 19th century.   It was simply the most economical way to do business.

With the hands and pulleys completed the clock has pretty much been completed.  This was not a total restoration.  It is a conservation of the clock.  Only limited additions and corrections were done so the authenticity of the regulator could be maintained.  I am very proud to have been part of this project.

The regulator showing the figural top and the new hand in place.

Click HERE to see details of the carved top!