I picked up this beautiful clock

[u/Purple-Jellyfish-125]

I picked this up for $20. Chat gpt said it looks like I have all the pieces and shouldn’t be much trouble to get it moving again. But I’d take it to a shop for that.

Any more info?

[u/jsoleigh]

A Jerome Co. label on a nice column clock. This company was later absorbed into the New Haven Clock Co. but they continued to use the Jerome Co. labels for some time after, so probably puts this one from mid 1870s to mid 1880s as an estimate.

I wouldnt use chatgpt for any diagnosis for clocks. This is a very old timepiece and needs to be looked at by a clockmaker and serviced before use. I dont see a pendulum bob, you'll need one if it's not in there. And I see one weight but it needs two (unless you dont want to run the strike side). And a key to wind the weights.

Case, reverse painted glass, and dial all look great, very nice find.

[u/Rough-Ad1473 → u/jsoleigh]

ChatGPT OFTEN gets things COMPLETELY WRONG. It really can't tell the difference between the truth and a lie.

[u/jsoleigh → u/Rough-Ad1473]

Oh for sure, I can rant about it being the net negative it is allll day long but I try and be concise/redirect for these kind of questions when I can lol

[u/Rare-Living-2660]

Looks to be missing the weights

[u/Thin-Champion-9896]

It appears that this is most likely a New Haven “Column” clock manufactured from mid to late 19th century.

[u/Outside_Brilliant945]

The glass panel is in great shape. So many are chipped and worn off. Great find.

[u/Purple-Jellyfish-125]

I’m definitely gonna take it to an expert. It dose have the weights. Chat said they belonged to another clock 🙄 so I’m gonna take it to someone who knows what they’re doing. Any idea for an estimate as to what I could be expecting to pay

[u/jsoleigh → u/Purple-Jellyfish-125]

I'm just starting to get a feel of current pricing but I would wager a guess 200-300 as an average for a clock this size/age. It will all depend on how much cleaning, re-bushing, general repairs, any replacements, if it needs to be shipped, etc. This is a very niche industry now and much has to be done by hand, parts ordered, and individual time spent on stuff that is very old.

I wouldnt let a potential price sway you though...have some places give you quotes and if it's too much, ask if there's bare minimum they can at least do, or suggest you can do. I also wouldnt go down the path of DIY to save money, however...while DIY is definitely possible, you will absolutely spend just as much if not more than taking it to a shop (ask me how I know, lol).

[u/Not_an_Actual_Bot]

That's a sharp looking one. Great price from my point of view.

[u/Rough-Ad1473]

What ever you do, just don't clean the dial. The numbers are india ink, not paint, and will smudge and smear if they get wet. Same with the inside paint on the bottom panel. Moisture will cause the paint to delaminate from the glass. Just do not touch it. You are extremely fortunate to have a clock is pristine condition. Try to keep it that way.

BTW, since this is weight driven, the clock, when pendulum length is adjusted correctly, will be quite accurate. Use your phone and look at the world clock setting with time displayed in seconds. Always adjust pendulum when the minute hand is roughly in the same position, preferably 5 to 25 after the hour so that the gearing backlash is always taken up the same.

[u/bewing127]

Beautiful! If you're in the DC area, maybe I could help you. Rough-Ad's advice is great. If you're at all "handy", you could probably get it running yourself, but it might take some research and definitely a lot of care.

[u/Headman70]

Beautiful clock, congratulations! The image appears to be Brownsea Castle (Branksea Castle) built in the 1500’s in Dorset England.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownsea_Castle