Pictures

New Haven Lincoln Westminster Chime Clock, circa 1929

This New Haven clock Co. Lincoln Westminster chime mantel clock was acquired on eBay Nov. 01, 2015. The movement carries several patent dates with December 1923 being the most recent. This model appeared in the 1929 New Haven catalog and that is likely about the time this clock was made. It has the infamous New Haven 8-day 3-train, 3-plate spring powered Westminster chime movement with 5 tone rods and hammers. The movement is not marked but may be the Model 380 chime movement. The clock has an original pendulum. The original key has been lost. The dial is in good condition for its age with a few superficial blemishes. The case finish had some water spotting or degradation and appeared to have been previously refinished. There are some wonderful grain patterns in the wood. The case was sanded and several coats of shellac applied. The brass hands had been painted black and I'm not sure whether they were originally painted. The grill cloth in the back door was punched through so it was replaced.

The movement was complete but not operating when received and the chime unit in the bottom of the case was sluggish from having been oiled and the oiled dried up. The movement had previously had a number of bushings installed and no additional bushing work was needed. This is a very unusual movement having three plates and the chime, strike, and time winders not in the usual places. It has a largely undeserved reputation for being a difficult movement to assemble and adjust. It is a very compact movement and has a large number of parts but assembly is straight forward. The center plate poses no problem at all as most of the going train is assembled behind that small center plate and the plate secured first, then the rest of the movement goes together like any other two-plate movement. The three spring barrels are easily installed or removed without separating the plates which makes assembly even easier. The wheels and pinions and other parts seem to be a little better quality than the average American clock from this period.

The chime controls are unlike any other that I have seen, but adjustment is not difficult and the operation is reliable. The double disk chime locking plate on the back of the movement is "in control". The chimes are self-correcting and there is no adjustment required. Steven Conover's book Chime Clock Repair describes the assembly and adjustment of this movement. Anyone not familiar with this movement would do well to consult Steve's book.

I purchased this clock simply because I did not have a New Haven chimer in my collection. It is not a valuable piece but I like it and it has a beautiful chime tone.




Not for sale at this time

The information on this page is believed to the writer to be correct at the date of posting but is presented with no guarantee expressed or implied. Pictures were a true representation of this clock at the time of posting but may not be current. Please contact me if you believe that any of the above information is incorrect, or if you wish to share additional information, or discuss this clock.

Unless otherwise credited, the pictures and information on this page are the property of Robert H Croswell & Greenfield Clock shop, 4180 Main Street, Trappe, MD 21673 and may not be sold or used for commercial purposes without permission. © 2016
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