Refreshed design for the Waterbury Wren shelf clock's casing
In the heart of an antique store, a Waterbury Wren cabinet clock is undergoing a transformation. This early 20th century American-made timepiece, known for its compact wooden case and 8-day mechanical movement, has been given a new lease of life.
The clock, standing at 13 1/8 inches tall, 12 5/8 inches wide, and 5 1/2 inches deep, is a Waterbury model called the "Wren". Despite being missing its matching glass and bezel, the wooden case is in good shape, albeit with the top finial on the right not correctly aligned with the bottom column.
The dial of the clock has been given a new lease of life as well. It was cleaned and repainted, and the hands were carefully repositioned. To protect the case, a fresh coat of traditional shellac was applied. The dial, now vibrant and clear, showcases the pendulum swinging rhythmically.
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 clock's movement, however, required more attention. As it undergoes testing, the anticipation builds for the moment when the case and the movement will be "married" again.
The term "marriage" in this context refers to the process of substituting the original Waterbury movement with a non-original movement, a common practice in antique clock repair. This process, while restoring function or replacing a damaged movement, may affect the clock's provenance and value.
Waterbury Clock Company, an American manufacturer active mainly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, produced various types of clocks. The Wren model is one of their smaller shelf or wall clocks, known for their wooden cabinet cases, often in oak or walnut, and typically featuring an 8-day mechanical movement.
Characteristics of Waterbury Wren cabinet clocks include compact wooden cases with a glass door showcasing the dial and pendulum, mechanical pendulum-driven movements, usually 8-day time and strike, dial designs often with Roman numerals and distinctive Waterbury signature or trademark on the dial or movement, and a traditional chime or strike on the hour and half-hour.
For those seeking detailed historical production dates or catalog references, specialized clock collecting books or online horological databases specific to Waterbury clocks would be the best resources. Unfortunately, this specific information was not found in the provided search results.
The clock, originally priced at $40 in the antique store, is now on its way to being a cherished piece once more. As the testing concludes and the case and the movement are "married" again, the Waterbury Wren will continue its journey, ticking away the hours with the charm of a bygone era.
The vintage Waterbury Wren clock, after undergoing a transformation and being given a new lease of life, will become a valuable addition to one's home-and-garden lifestyle, as it gracefully displays the passage of time with its unique charm. Reviving this gem by marrying the restored case with a non-original movement will not only bring back its functionality but also make it a cherished vestige of the vintage clocks era.
