Connecticut Chapter 148 NAWCC John Salva, Pres. ctclock@gmail.com phone: 203-452-7671   Rich Huck, Sec. justrnmih@gmail.com

Chapter 148 opened the new year with continued good turnout at its Saturday morning Mart (some 120 members and quests) and plenty of buying and selling and good fellowship.  John Salvo, as newly elected  President,  took over the reigns of the Chapter and was seen enthusiastically walking the floor and getting reacquainted in his new role, although John is certainly no stranger to the Chapter.

As is traditionally the case, no formal program presentation was scheduled in January and instead John requested that members bring to the meeting their favorite, or unusual, clock or watch for some give-and-take discussion.

Al Comen brought along a beautiful (and unusual) antique timepiece, a 12- inch high, brass 10- minute stopwatch with a weighted  stand.  Al is not sure if the piece was made in the United States, but it has a platform escapement, which is probably Swiss.  It has a beautiful porcelain dial protected by a beveled-glass.  Al and his wife Cheryl purchased the item some 40 years ago in New Orleans.  A past trip to the Antique's Road Show revealed that the piece was probably sports related and dates to circa 1850.

George Bruno displayed another one of his marvelous and amazing creations.  A few months ago, George had a hands-on demostration of his now familar electric-powered, wooden gear cutting machine. When asked if he had ever seen or used the hand-operated machines utilized by the early clockmakers, George took the question as a challenge. 

Al Comen displaying his ca. 1850 stopwatch.		George Bruno's replica of a clockmaker's engine.

At this January, 2010 meeting, George displayed his latest marvel; yes, a virtual replica of the type of machine used by Daniel Burnap, circa 1800.  In about two-months time, George examined the original (a holding of the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford, CT), did the engineering and drawings, had castings produced, performed the necessary machining and assembly, and created the integral wooden components. Photos of the original machine, which George replicated, are shown in Penrose Hoopes' book, Shop Records of Daniel Burnap, pages 148-149.

George, Chapter members thank you for continuing to share with us your talent and enthusiam.  Al, thanks to you also, for sharing one of your old and long-time, unusual timepieces. 

 
Have you visited NAWCC's home page?

The American Clock & Watch Museum in Bristol, Connecticut

The Timexpo Museum

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