Sperry and Shaw's four-column clock have been reinstated on the work bench
In the world of antique clock repair, one of the most intriguing pieces to work on recently has been a Sperry and Shaw 30-hour clock. This clock, made by business partners Henry Sperry and George Shaw, who were not clock-makers themselves, has a rich history and a unique design that makes it a favourite among collectors and repair enthusiasts.
The author, a seasoned clock repairer, found the clock giving grief during reassembly, specifically on the strike side. After thorough examination, it was discovered that the issue was a synchronization problem between the count and drop levers. A slight bend was necessary to ensure the paddle pointed directly at the wheel hub, and the count lever should be in a deep slot of the count wheel at the same time the drop lever is deep in the cam slot. The paddle should also be radial to the count wheel during reassembly.
After making these adjustments, the strike side of the clock started working, much to the relief of the author. The movement of the clock is stamped "Jerome-like" and Sperry and Shaw, New Jersey, indicating its age between 1844 and 1851. The movement was disassembled and cleaned in January 2019, and three or four pivot holes had slight enlargement but not enough to require immediate bushing work that year.
However, it has recently been discovered that the manufacturing history of Sperry and Shaw 4-column clocks is not as straightforward as one might think. While Sperry and Shaw were the brand owners, the actual manufacturing was typically handled by specialized clock-making companies or subcontractors. The Sperry Corporation or a division involved in precision instruments is likely associated with these clocks, with Shaw being another company or brand.
Despite the lack of definitive manufacturer names in publicly available patent or auction records, further details about the manufacturing history or patents can be found in specialized clock collector forums, museum archives, or dedicated horology resources.
The Sperry and Shaw clock, with its narrow brick-shaped wafer weights (4 3/4 inches X 1 inch), is recommended by the author as a great starting point for beginners in clock repair due to its simplicity. After four days of testing, the dial and hands were reinstalled, and the clock was placed back on its shelf, ready to keep time once more.
Three bushings are now required for the movement: the time side second wheel front plate, and the strike-side mainwheel and second wheel back plate. The plates of the movement are thinner than a Jerome, likely a cost-cutting measure, but this does not detract from the charm and appeal of this fascinating piece of historical machinery. The label on the backboard of the clock says 10 Courtlandt Street, the company headquarters at the time, adding to its historical significance.
While working on a vintage Sperry and Shaw 3-column clock, the author found it challenging to upgrade the clock for smart-home integration due to its antique design. To improve the functionality, the author considered adding a modern gadget that could synchronize with the clock's mechanics, bridging the gap between traditional and technology-driven timekeeping.
In the future, as smart-home devices continue to evolve, it is possible that more solutions will become available for integrating vintage clocks like the Sperry and Shaw into the modern home, making them both functional and relevant in today's technologically advanced society.
