journal of the national association of watch & clock collectors … · journal of the national...

Journal of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors

January/February 2013January/February 2013 Vol. 55/1 • No. 401Vol. 55/1 • No. 401

© 2013 National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc. Reproduction prohibited without written permission.

Guiding Core PurposeTo Encourage and Stimulate Interest in the Art and Science of Horologyfor the Benefi t of the Public and NAWCC Members.

Long-Range VisionTo be the Global Leader in the Pursuit of the Art and Science of Time and Timekeeping.

Letter from the EditorOffi cersBoard of Directors

Directors

Ex Offi cio

Offi cial Notice

Membership

Terms expire 2013

Ruth OvertonChair1335 S. Main St.Carthage, MO [email protected]

Jerry H. ThornsberryVice Chair905 W. 120th St. Kansas City, MO [email protected]

Terms expire 2013

Fortunat F.Mueller-MaerkiP.O. Box 386Sussex, NJ [email protected]

Joanne S. Orr2601 W. Wilshire Blvd.Oklahoma City, OK [email protected]

Thomas McIntyreP.O. Box 352Harvard, MA [email protected]

Eugene R. Volk636 Cherokee TraceLake Toxaway, NC [email protected]

Terms expire 2015

Thomas J. Bartels1030 Foothill Rd.Gardnerville, NV [email protected]

Michael A. Dempsey13550 Lannie Ct.Elm Grove, WI [email protected]

David W. Dunn215 N. Fulton St.Strasburg, PA [email protected]

Philip C. Gregory409 Guadalajara CircleIrving, TX 75062pgregory@fl ash.net

Myron J. Mintz, Esq., Legal CounselJ. Steven Humphrey, Executive Director

Individual Membership: $82/year ($72/year online-only W&C Bulletin/Mart & Highlights); Associ-ate/Youth: $20 per year; Student Memberships: $35 per year. Online-only W&C Bulletin/Mart &Highlights for Associate, Student, and Youth. Business Membership: $150 per year.Lifetime Individual Membership: $3,000 (under age 40); $2,000 (age 40 and over).Lifetime Associate Membership: $1,500 (under 40); $1,000 (40 and over).

The full text of the approved minutes of themeetings listed below may be found in theJanuary/February Mart & Highlights Newsletterand on the NAWCC Message Board NAWCC NEWS:

• Board of Directors’ electronic BOD meetings:October and November 2012• Controller’s Reports: September and October 2012

Terms expire 2015

Mary Ann WahlnerSecretary7325 E. Princess Blvd#2311Scottsdale, AZ [email protected]

David A. LeeTreasurer1465 N. Western Ave.Lake Forest, IL [email protected]

About the Covers Phil Abernethy, maker of the clock Monolith featured on the front cover, is a

practicing clockmaker in Parry Sound, Ontario. His family business, Abernethy & Son, restores and fabricates domestic and public clocks, with clients across Canada and abroad.

Currently, Phil’s focus is on sculptural clockwork; he is inspired by the work of John Harrison and Martin Burgess. Beyond horology, Phil has also had a long-standing interest in blacksmithing and sculptural metal work. The work featured here is a quartz-mechanical hybrid. He explains, “Regarding the use of a quartz movement, as a wholly mechanical timekeeper this would be a relatively poor timekeeper. I’ve provided time display with a quartz movement so as to allow greater mechanical design fl exibility. As you know the rules are pretty strict in horology. The quartz movement has no connection to the mechanics. The intention is to utilize/illustrate horological mechanics as sculptural mechanical art.

“Outside of my work as a practicing clockmaker I’ve always had one hand in art. After a lifetime of being surrounded by horology and apprenticing to my father at an early age, it seems natural that at some point I should merge the two and push some boundaries After all that is what art is about, taking and refl ecting what we see and experience, then turning it into something that contributes to and expands our understanding.

“I made many attempts at sculptural horology, most were abject failures—too big, crazy geometry, wrong materials in the wrong places. Eventually the purchase of a CNC router for our public work, then the purchase of a laser cutter, caused me to revive some of my ideas.

“This work was designed using a 3D CAD application and a CNC router and laser. There are days when I think that a manual saw would involve much less profanity, but when the machines behave, they’re absolutely mesmerizing. Preliminary prototypes were created with parts cut from acrylic sheet.

2013 is the beginning of the Watch & Clock Bulletin’s 71st year of publication and this is issue number 401. The work that each issue represents, from the authors’ fi rst sparks of ideas to our fi nal signoff on what are now digital proofs, is enormous. From our publishing perspective every submission requires inhouse review, peer review, copyediting, proofi ng, author review, more proofi ng, and fi nal review. Every change, however small, is checked. Our objective really is to make every issue the best yet and then start all over again with the next one. Our success depends on author contributors: they are the Watch & Clock Bulletin; we are facilitators. Beginning in the March/April issue and in recognition of over 70 years of continuous publication, we will feature a “Look Back” page containing interesting items from past years.

This issue features a four-part series on the career and clocks of Walter H. Durfee. This defi nitive study represents over 20 years of persevering research by authors Owen and Jo Burt. Also in this issue is the last article by clockmaker Edwin Sowers. I remember that Ed was so thrilled to have accurately repaired the subject clock’s calendar mechanism he called me to report the news. This month we are offering a compilation of Ed’s articles, from the Bulletin and two other horological publications, titled Challenging Repairs to Interesting Clocks. See page 27 for this book’s content and the Mart & Highlights for an order form.

Also in the January/February Mart & Highlights is a preview schedule for the 2013 Ward Francillon Time Symposium—please take a look at the incredible lineup of speakers and topics, and mark your calendar for this event.

Candidate information for new NAWCC offi cers starts on page 101. Your ballot is not included in this issue. Look for it in your mailbox in early February.

Editor Diana M. DeLucca

Continued on page 59.


NAWCC Watch & Clock Bulletin • January/February 2013 • 1www.nawcc.org

Webb C. Ball and the Railroads by Robert Winslow .............................................................. 3

Come to the 2013 National Convention, July 3-6 − Dayton, OH ......................................9

Walter H. Durfee & His Grandfather Clocks− Part 1 by Owen H. & Jo Burt .....................14

The Fascinating “Terry’s Patent” Calendar Clock, How It Works by Edwin U. Sowers III. ...................................................................................................................29

The Clockmakers of Flemington, NJ: 1788-1840 − Part 1, The Early Years: Thomas Williams, George Rea, and Richard Hooley by David A. Sperling .................. 35

More Information on David Morgan’s United Clock Company Clocks by Patti Moore .......................................................................................................................... 42

BULOVA: Finding Answers by Lisa Lawrence Andrew ..............................................................47

Limiting a Clock Weight Travel by Rubens A. Sigelmann .......................................................50

A Lost Hamilton Finds Its Family by John H. Wilterding Jr. ....................................................53

A New Look at Eli Terry’s Patent Infringement Lawsuits by Mary Jane Dapkus ............60

The National Watch and Clock Museum by Larry Crutsinger, Stuart Fleishman, and Sara Dockery ................................................................................................................10, 13The First One by Dave Brown and John Teeter ......................................................................... 11Obituaries ................................................................................................................................ 52In Memoriam – Reed Bender ................................................................................................... 68In Memory of .......................................................................................................................... 68Wristwatches – The Gruen Pan American Watches by Bruce Shawkey .......................... 69Technical Tidbits No. 18 − Soldering by Stephen Nelson ................................................... 77Fantastic Finds by Fredric J. Friedberg ..................................................................................... 81Horologica by Andy Dervan and Fortunat Mueller-Marki ......................................................... 85Horology in Art – Part 6 by Bob Frishman ............................................................................ 87Vox Temporis – Letters to the Editor ........................................................................................ 88Research Activities and News by Snowden Taylor and contributors .................................... 892013 NAWCC Board of Directors and NEC Election − Candidate Biographies ........ 1012013 Bylaws Change Recommendations ........................................................................ 107Call for Nominations for Appointed Board of Directors Positions ........................... 108Chapter Offi cers ................................................................................................................... 109NAWCC Staff.......................................................................................................................... 112Dates to Remember ................................................................................... inside back cover

Watch ClockPublished Since 1943 Bulletin

Journal of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors

Vol. 55/1, No. 401Contents

Articles

Features

Watch & Clock Bulletin is the Bulletin of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc., the offi cial publication of the NAWCC, and includes all offi cial notices of the NAWCC.

Watch & Clock Bulletin is a peer-reviewed journal primarily made up of articles submitted by NAWCC members. Manuscripts, reviews, and commentaries pertaining to all facets of horology are welcome.For more information about submitting material please call or email the Publications Department or access “Publications” via www.nawcc.org.

The Watch & Clock Bulletin of the National Association of Watch & Clock

Collectors, Incorporated, is published six times a year: January, March, May, July,

September, and November.

ISSN 2152-4858

NAWCC Publications Department514 Poplar St., Columbia, PA 17512-2130

Phone 717.684.8261

EditorDiana M. DeLucca

Ext. 206. [email protected]

Associate EditorFreda Conner

Chapter Highlights CoordinatorExt. 207. [email protected]

Mart & Highlights/WatchDig.org EditorHugh Dougherty


Associate EditorAmy Klinedinst


Publications AssistantElise A. Leytham

Mart & Highlights CoordinatorExt. 208. [email protected]

Manuscripts being offered for publication and alleditorial correspondence should be sent to:

NAWCC, Inc., Publications Department, 514 Poplar St., Columbia, PA 17512-2130Phone 717.684.8261. Email [email protected].

Reports for Chapter Highlights (published in Mart & Highlights) should be sent to the above mailing address, or email [email protected].

Change of address, membership applications, and dues payment should be sent to:

NAWCC, Inc.514 Poplar St., Columbia, PA 17512-2130Phone 717.684.8261, ext. 201; fax 717.684.0878; email [email protected].

Please be advised that NAWCC membership is not to be used to imply NAWCC endorsement of individuals, their products, or their services.

Periodicals postage paid atColumbia, PA 17512-2130

and additional offi ces.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc., 514 Poplar St., Columbia, PA 17512-2130.

© Copyright 2013 by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

All the material in the Watch & Clock Bulletin is copyrighted by the NAWCC, Inc. No article, or any part of it, may be cop ied or otherwise reproduced by anyone. Limited copying may be permitted by fi rst requesting permission in writing, and receiving per-mission in writing; but acknowledgment of the source, adjacent to the copied article, is man datory. An author may have copyrighted an article, in which case permis-sion to copy must be obtained from the author.Statements of opinion made by authors of papers read before or appearing in the publications of the Association are accepted as the author’s own. The As-sociation assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or correctness of any statements of its contributors.

Watch & Clock Bulletin Indexwww.nawcc.org » Publications » NAWCC Bulletin » Index Search


2 • January/February 2013 • NAWCC Watch & Clock Bulletin www.nawcc.org

Dear Members,

In this digital age, an email ad-dress has become more important than our phone number or mailing address. This is certainly the case with the NAWCC, because many member benefi ts and informa-tion services developed in the last decade are available only online.

The cost of duplicating them in print (along with postage) would be prohibitive. Email is also a means to keep you up to date on timely topics, rather than requiring you to wait for our bimonthly publications.

Online access to all of the Watch & Clock Bulletin issues published since 1943; the bimonthly eHappenings newslet-ter distributed via email; access to your member account to update your profi le or check dues payments and dona-tions; member-only areas on the NAWCC Message Board, including current Board motions, motion discussions, and member feedback; listing of items for sale or wanted on the 4Sale auction/classifi ed website; online viewing of library videos; access to scanned archival items; access to the member directory; and other online benefi ts are accessible only if you have an email address on fi le with the NAWCC Member Services Department as part of your member profi le.

Currently, about 71.6 percent of our regular, life, and business members have an email address on fi le with us; 28.4 percent of our members are unable to take full advan-tage of the many benefi ts we offer. If you have an email address but have not had it added to your profi le, you can do so by emailing [email protected] or calling Member Services at our toll-free number (877) 255-1849.

If you are concerned about excessive email in your work or personal email accounts, consider establishing another account for your online activities. Email addresses are available at no cost from Google, Yahoo, and other similar online services. If you do have an email on fi le with us but are not receiving the bimonthly eHappenings newsletter or our other emails, you may have selected to opt out after receiving an NAWCC email message. If so, email Markus at [email protected] for a link that allows you to “opt” back in.

Many new workshop courses are now offered in Co-lumbia on watch repair, clock repair, and related subjects, including a new three-day clock conservation seminar May 2-4. Courses on watch and clock valuation will immediately precede this seminar. Look for more infor-mation on these in this issue of the Mart & Highlights or online under the education section.

Have a great TIME with the NAWCC,

J. Steven HumphreyNAWCC Executive Director

[email protected]

Message from the Board Chair Message from the Executive Director

As we enter into a fresh new year with anticipation of great accom-plishments for the NAWCC, this is the perfect time to say “thank you.” Thank you to the membership for your contributions to the Associa-tion not only fi nancially but of your time and talents. Thank you for your contagious attitude that this is a great organization—one well worth supporting not only for the present but also for future generations.

Giving of ourselves—whether it is our wealth or our time —has enormous value for those who benefi t from our gifts and for what we get in return. As has been said many times —the more you give, the more you gain. Thank you for your dedication to the NAWCC!

And we would be amiss if we did not take this opportunity to say “thank you” to our outstanding staff team who always strives to be the best they can be for our organization. Jobs well done!

As we refl ect on the accomplishments of the past year, we see progress in some very important areas. Expenses were cut drastically in order to work within a balanced budget. Our educational efforts have been changed signifi cantly in order to better serve the membership. Several incentives were introduced to increase our membership total. The foundation for a long-term endowment fundraising campaign is being fi -nalized. The Board of Directors monthly electronic meetings have been opened to the membership to review and partici-pate in the discussion. There have been continued improve-ments made to our Internet exposure and benefi ts to our members through our website. Accreditation of the Museum is very close to being approved. Public awareness efforts have been stepped up not only through the Internet but also by many more chapters having public day at their regional.

As the Board of Directors eagerly looks ahead to this year, not only do we see our projects of 2012 moving ahead with dedication, we will also be working on many new ideas that will help make NAWCC more healthy and vibrant, including:• Continue to conserve fi nancial resources at every level.• To strengthen our committees so that each is contributing

their utmost in their assigned duties.• Help sustain happy, healthy chapters.• Help improve the quality of regional and national

conventions.• Increase membership numbers.• Increase member satisfaction at every level.• Improve public awareness of NAWCC and our mission.• Continue to improve our educational opportunities for our

members and the public.• Improve the NAWCC fi nancial ability to serve our

membership well into the future.Together—Board, staff, and members—we can accomplish

great things in 2013!Happy New Year to each of you!! Chair Ruth Overton NAWCC Board of Directors [email protected]

Thank-Yous, Refl ections,and Resolutions

The Importance of Email


*Public day offered.

JanuaryJanuary 18-19—Kentucky Thoroughbred

Clarion Hotel, Lexington, KY. Host–Kentucky Thoroughbreds Ch. 140. Cohost–Kentucky Bluegrass Ch. 35. (National Rep. Jerry Thornsberry).

FebruaryJanuary 31-February 2—Greater Los Angeles*

Pasadena Convention Center & Sheraton Pasadena, Pasadena, CA. Host–San Fernando Valley Ch. 75. Cohost–Western Electrics Ch. 133. (National Rep. Fortunat Mueller-Maerki).

February 14-16—Florida Mid-Winter* Daytona Ocean Center & Hilton Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach,

FL. Host–Florida Suntime Ch. 19. Cohosts–Jean Ribault Ch. 68; Palm Beaches of Florida Ch. 99. (National Rep. Gene Volk).

MarchMarch 1-2—Lone Star* Host–Lone Star Ch. 124. Cohosts–Southwestern Ch. 15;

Five State Collectors Ch. 80; San Jacinto Ch. 139. Mesquite Convention Center & Hampton Inn Suites Dallas/Mesquite, Mesquite, TX (National Rep. David Lee).

March 22-23—Arizona Sunshine* Host–Valley of the Sun Ch. 112. Cohosts–Keywinders of

Arizona Ch. 46; Southern Arizona Ch. 113. Fountain Hills Community Center & Holiday Inn, Fountain Hills, AZ (National Rep. Tom McIntyre).

AprilApril 5-6—River Cities* Host–Heart of America Ch. 36.

Lenexa Community Center and Crown Plaza Hotel, Lenexa, KS (National Rep. Joanne Orr).

April 11-13—Southern Ohio Host–Buckeye Ch. 23. Cohost–British Horology Ch. 159.

Roberts Convention Centre, Wilmington, OH (National Rep. Ruth Overton).

April 27—Memphis Annual Host–King Cotton Ch. 48. Cohosts–Magnolia Ch. 41; Arkansas

Razorback Ch. 62. Bartlett Station Municipal Center, Bartlett, TN (National Rep. Phil Gregory).

MayMay 17-18—North Coast* Host–Lake Erie Ch. 28. Cohost–Ohio Valley Ch. 10. Lakeland

Community College and Red Roof Inn, Kirtland, OH (National Rep. David Dunn).

May 16-19—Pacifi c Northwest* Host–Pacifi c-Northwest Ch. 31. Cohosts–Puget Sound Ch.

50; Inland Empire Ch. 53; British Columbia Ch. 121; Mt. Rainier Ch. 135; Idahorological Ch. 153; The Willamette Valley Ch. 157. Monarch Hotel & Convention Center, Portland, OR (National Rep. Tom Bartels).

JuneJune 21-22—Kentucky Bluegrass Host–Kentucky Bluegrass Ch. 35.

Cohost–Kentucky Thoroughbreds Ch. 140. Fern Valley Hotel & Convention Center, Louisville, KY.

AugustAugust 2-3—Mid-West* Host–Chicagoland Ch. 3. Cohosts–Menomonee Valley Ch. 47;

Peace Pipe Ch. 83; Madison Ch 171. Porter County Exposition Center and Courtyard by Marriott, Valparaiso, IN.

August 16-17—Eastern States Host–Central New York Ch. 55. Cohosts–Western New York

Ch. 13; Toronto Ch. 33. Holiday Inn Convention Center and Holiday Inn, Liverpool, NY.

August 23-25—All Texas Chapters Host–San Jacinto Ch. 139. Cohosts–Southwestern Ch. 15; Five

State Collectors Ch. 80; Lone Star Ch. 124. Marriott Houston Westchase, Houston, TX.

August 29-31—Mid-South* Host–Tennessee Valley Ch. 42. Cohosts–Dixie Ch. 16;

Atlanta Ch. 24; Alabama Ch. 54; Rocket City Regulators Ch. 61. Chattanooga Convention Center and Marriott at the Convention Center, Chattanooga, TN.

SeptemberSeptember 27-28—Mid-America Host–George E. Lee Michiana Ch. 26. Cohost–Indiana Ch. 18.

Kruse Museum & Best Western Auburn Inn, Auburn, IN.

OctoberOctober 24-26—MKOA Host–Ozark Ch. 57. Cohosts–Cherokee Ch. 30; Sunfl ower

Clock Watchers Ch. 63; Sooner Time Collectors Ch. 74. Pulse Convention Center, Carthage, MO.

NovemberNovember 1-2—Mid-Eastern Host–Washington DC Ch. 12. Cohosts–Philadelphia Ch. 1;

Carolina Ch. 17; Shenandoah Valley of Virginia Ch. 32; Old Dominion Ch. 34. York Expo Center, York, PA.

November 9-10—Southern Host–Creole Ch. 43. Cohosts–Magnolia Ch. 41; Queen City

Timekeepers Ch. 167; Big Bend Timekeepers Ch. 176. Best Western Landmark Hotel, Metaire, LA.

November 21-23—Southwest California* Host–San Diego County Ch. 59. Cohost–Palomar Ch. 136. Del

Mar Fairgrounds in the Wyland Center, Del Mar, CA, & Holiday Inn Express, Solana Beach, CA.

2013 NAWCC National Convention* July 3-6, 2013 Dayton Convention Center, Dayton, OH Host–Buckeye Ch. 23

2013 Ward Francillon Time Symposium November 6-10, 2013 California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA Host–Ventura & Santa Barbara County Ch. 190

NAWCC Dates to RememberAccess information about Regionals, the Convention, and the Symposium from the nawcc.org homepage.

All regional meetings must be scheduled through Convention Committee Coordinator Renee Coulson,6522 Hideaway Rd. Ooltewah, TN 37363-5663 • (423) 238-1555 • reneecoulson@epbfi .com

This listing only includes Regionals that have been confi rmed as of November 19, 2012.

January/February 2013(U.S. $11.95)


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