Clock manufacturing duo Sperry and Shaw resumes work from the bench, a revival of their four-column masterpiece
In the heart of horology, a 180-year-old Sperry and Shaw clock has been a fascinating challenge for its owner. Made between 1844 and 1851, this 30-hour ogee clock, known for its simplicity and absence of mainsprings, has been a great starting point for beginners in clock repair.
The clock, with a movement stamped Sperry and Shaw, New Jersey, and a label on the backboard bearing the address of 10 Courtlandt Street, the company headquarters at the time, has been a subject of intrigue. Despite our inability to find specific information on the manufacturers of the 4-column clocks produced by Sperry and Shaw during this period, it's possible that Sperry and Shaw themselves were involved in the production or distribution of these clocks. Clockmaking during this era often involved partnerships or collaborations between various craftsmen and companies.
The repair journey began in January 2019, when the movement was disassembled and cleaned. After several days of testing, the clock was running well. However, the strike side of the clock has been malfunctioning, either striking the hour or running continuously. The issue was identified as a synchronization problem between the count and drop levers.
To address this, certain adjustments were made. The count lever should be in a deep slot of the count wheel at the same time the drop lever is deep in the cam slot. A slight bend was required to ensure the paddle pointed directly at the wheel hub, and the paddle on the count wheel needed to be radial to the count wheel hub. After making these adjustments, the strike side of the clock started working properly.
However, the repair journey is far from over. In May 2021, the time side of the clock stopped after 5 minutes. The movement plates of the clock are bent and twisted, which might be causing the issue. The author, who enjoys working on these clocks, continues to work diligently to restore this historical piece to its former glory.
For those interested in the history and production of these clocks, consulting historical records or a horology expert might provide more precise answers. Museums or historical societies focused on horology could offer insights into the production of these clocks during that era. With each repair, we gain a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and ingenuity that went into these timepieces.
In the pursuit of maintaining this vintage clock's legacy, the owner might consider investigating smart-home-devices that can coexist peacefully with the clock, expanding its functionality with modern technology. Meanwhile, as gadget enthusiasts admire the intricate workings of the Sperry and Shaw clock, they might also appreciate the skill and creativity involved in repairing such devices, bridging the gap between the old and the new world of clockmaking.
