Pictures

Waterbury Reno "Star Movement" Iron Mantel Clock, c. 1891

This is a somewhat unusual 8-day time and strike black iron mantel clock made by Waterbury Clock Co., and listed in their 1891 catalog. It's listed as the Reno and was also available with an open escapement. The first clue that this is not just an "ordinary" period black iron clock is the thick beveled glass in the door and the heavy brass dial plate and cast bezel. A closer look reveals a gilded dial rather than a paper of painted dial, but the real difference is the unusual "rack & snail" brass movement. The going or time train is on the left, and the strike train is on the right, just opposite of most clocks. The strike rack is located outside the back plate (photos No.6 & No.9) and the snail is located between the plates. Less noticeable but equally unusual is the location of the main springs on the "front side" of the main wheels. I see no special advantage to this design save making the clock more difficult to service. This movement has very heavy polished brass plates with oil sinks at the pivots. It has a deadbeat escapement and is known as the Star Movement and is further identified by a 5-point star stamped in the rear plate. This is what the Waterbury catalog has to say about the Star Movement.

The STAR MOVEMENT is made for use in Clocks shown on pages 4 to 68 inclusive, has Polished Plates, Patent Regulator by which the clock is regulated from the front without touching the pendulum, and a striking mechanism which connects the hands and the striking part in such a manner that the time will invariably be struck correctly. It also permits the hands to be turned backwards without injuring or disturbing the striking part. It is 8-Day, Half-hour Slow Strike, with Cathedral Gong on Sounding Board.

I obtained thus clock from a local estate auction on March 09, 2009. The dial and case have their original finish. As received the hands did not match and were incorrect for this clock. The movement was stiff from dried up oil and several pivot holes required bushings. I found this clock to be a bit of a challenge to service, but it is now running just fine and I plan to keep it as part of my permanent collection. It seems to be a very well made, although unusual, clock.




For Sale $450

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
email:  bobby@greenfieldclockshop.com