Gingerbread Wall clock ID question

[ahemsley]

I'm trying to bring a gingerbread wall clock back to working condition and good repair. It is labeled (as shown) "The Prophet" American Manufacture, amd there might be another label behind this one. The case might not even be the one that was originally attached to the pressed oak parts since it seems attached differently on each side. The movement inside it is an Ingraham kitchen clock movement, 7/1915, in need of a good clean. The screw holes aren't the original ones in the case, and the clock had no dial, so I don't know what fits well. Does anyone know the history behind "American Manufacture" as a label, to narrow down the search for what movement might be original to this clock? Thank you for your time, and have a great holiday weekend!

 

[Steve Neul]

The case appears to be red oak and to me it looks like it was finished with an amber shellac. The back is spruce which should make it sound a little louder with the chime. Where you are making a repair at the top if you cleaned the glue off you could probably wipe the area with a rag soaked with denatured alcohol and it would spread the old finish over the repair. Dried shellac will liquefy again with alcohol.

 

[Dick C]

Here are 3: Search "the prophet clock"

 

[ahemsley]

Here are 3: Search "the prophet clock"

Here are 3: Search "the prophet clock"

 

[ahemsley]

Thank you Dick! I searched without the word clock inside quotation marks, and Google didn't help me out. Great to know it's a Waterbury, I may have a spare Waterbury movement to go in the case - will be able to research age and other model types now.

 

[ahemsley]

Thank you Dick! I searched without the word clock inside quotation marks, and Google didn't help me out. Great to know it's a Waterbury, I may have a spare Waterbury movement to go in the case - will be able to research age and other model types now.

Well, looking at the links to these three clocks, I see no evidence of a calendar mechanism, just a gong for strike. But, I'm new to this, so maybe a "simple calendar" mechanism lies behing the new dial. The one labeled american Manufacturer states there was no stamp on the movement, and the one said to be a Waterbury is not found in Hanging clocks or Calendar clocks in Tran Duy Ly's Waterbury book. In fact, I can't find a "The Prophet" model in any Ly clockmaker's book that I have (Ingraham, Seth Thomas, Gilbert, Waterbury, New Haven, Ansonia, Welch. The pendulum I got isn't an Ingraham style, and the base of my clock is much simpler than that shown in the Live Auctioneers examples, so maybe this clock is just a patchwork of old parts that seem able to work together. I'd still be interested in the history of "Am. Mfg".

 

[Dick C]

Waterbury Antique Clock w/ Weather Bureau-The Prophet | #33715664

This is a 7 day, NO RESERVE , auction for a wonderful Waterbury Clock Company hanging calendar clock. Hardly seen and not found in catalogues because it is believed to be a promotional item. The clock

www.worthpoint.com

 

[ahemsley]

Waterbury Antique Clock w/ Weather Bureau-The Prophet | #33715664

This is a 7 day, NO RESERVE , auction for a wonderful Waterbury Clock Company hanging calendar clock. Hardly seen and not found in catalogues because it is believed to be a promotional item. The clock

www.worthpoint.com

I should at least try to put the Waterbury movement into the case parts I have. I'll kep a watch on EBay for those cool barometer and thermometer fixtures.

 

[ridaco]

I'm trying to bring a gingerbread wall clock back to working condition and good repair. It is labeled (as shown) "The Prophet" American Manufacture, amd there might be another label behind this one. The case might not even be the one that was originally attached to the pressed oak parts since it seems attached differently on each side. The movement inside it is an Ingraham kitchen clock movement, 7/1915, in need of a good clean. The screw holes aren't the original ones in the case, and the clock had no dial, so I don't know what fits well. Does anyone know the history behind "American Manufacture" as a label, to narrow down the search for what movement might be original to this clock? Thank you for your time, and have a great holiday weekend!

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1. Research and documentation: Gather as much information as possible about the clock, including its manufacturer, style, and any known history. This can help you identify the original movement and other details.
2. Consult experts: Reach out to antique clock collectors, horologists, or clock restoration professionals who may have knowledge or experience with similar clocks. They can provide valuable insights and guidance.
3. Clock forums and communities: Participate in online clock forums or communities where you can ask questions, share pictures, and seek advice from fellow clock enthusiasts and experts.
4. Antique clock books and resources: Refer to books and resources specifically focused on antique clocks and their history. These references may provide information about the manufacturer, labeling practices, and original movements.
5. Clock restoration workshops or classes: Consider attending workshops or classes on clock restoration to gain hands-on experience and learn techniques from experts in the field.

Remember that restoring antique clocks requires careful handling, patience, and attention to detail. If you are unsure about any restoration procedures, it's best to consult with a professional to avoid causing damage to the clock.

Best of luck with your restoration project, and I hope you have a great holiday weekend too!