New Haven San Rafael Mission Mantel No.52, circa 1915

Mission Oak clock. Purchased at Nelson Auction Gallery Nov. 19, 2012. Clock has an 8-day brass movement with strike on the hour and half-hour on a heavy coiled gong. Ebony oak finish. The clock appears to be all original except for the pickets on the door, glass, and two numerals that were missing. A partial label remains and identifies the clock as a No. 52 Mantel Mission Gong. Catalog images match that of the San Rafael Mission clock. Clock was a "basket case" when received. The case was totally falling apart. The brass pendulum was painted with gold paint. The hands and numerals had been painted white. The glass was missing as were the three pickets on the door. The thin back corners of the side boards above and below the backboard were broken and missing, and the catch that holds the door is missing. The hinges and decorative parts appear to be original with signs of age. The movement appears to be the correct New Haven movement and is believed to be the original movement. It was quite dirty.

The movement was disassembled, cleaned and six pivot bushings installed in the time train, The time train main spring was replaced and the movement is now running well. The broken corners of the side boards were filled with new wood and a replacement picket panel was was made. The case was reglued and nailed. The original finish was left in place but due to numerous scars and the replaced parts the entire case was rubbed with ebony stain and the replaced parts coated with thinned acrylic art paint to get a close color match. The repairs are not noticeable except on close examination

In my collection, this clock represents the so called "Arts and Crafts", or "Mission Oak" period. This style is not appreciated by everyone - "it is different" and some may even call it ugly. I think it is a wonderfully attractive period clock, even if some don't appreciate that its true beauty lies in, well, the absence of traditional "beauty" and superfluous ornamentation and adornment. It's actually a wonderful old clock and it has a beautiful deep tone when it strikes the flat wound gone.

Intital restoration completed 07/12/13



For Sale $550.00

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