Craftsmanship at its Finest
St. Louis Street Clock Company started from a collector’s passion for these magnificent public timekeepers. Originally called “Post” or “Sidewalk” clocks, they were sold as a form of advertising to serve their owners and the public. The clocks are commonly found and fondly known as the “Main Street Clock” in the hearts of towns across America.
There is not an accurate estimate as to how many street clocks have survived. The existing ones are either owned by municipalities who had the foresight to save them, or are in the hands of private collectors. These clocks are extremely rare. They represent a time in our country’s history when we manufactured everything ourselves and took great pride in workmanship. When restoring a clock that needed a missing or broken part, I have taken the extra time to have patterns made and exact castings reproduced (as can be seen in various photos). Many times the foundries are amazed at the workmanship being performed with the existing tools of that time. I have designed this website to give a representation and perspective of these magnificent clocks.
I specialize in the Restoration and Reproduction of E. Howard & Co., Seth Thomas, Joseph Mayer, Ansonia, and Brown Street Clocks.
I occasionally offer street clocks for sale (scroll down to see current availability), all of which have extensive historical provenance. Please call or email me for details.
I also rent out clocks and parts as props for productions — anything from Movie Studios, TV, Film, Documentaries, production crews, to plays, etc.
Let’s Chat!
Whether you are interested in buying, selling, or just want to swap stories, I am always available to chat. I love to hear from fellow enthusiasts and welcome all inquiries. All estimates are free and flexible according to materials and scheduling.
Buying Time
Current Inventory Available For Sale
For sale
1917 - 2 dial Joseph Mayer street clock with side brackets holding three light globes each and lamp top. Base is open on all four sides allowing Mayer movement and weight to be viewed. 40 inch dials - 18 inch square base – 14 feet 5 inches from base to center of dials. (Stacy Shown & Co. Seattle, Washington)
Price Upon Request
For Sale
1908 – 2 dial E Howard & Company “Pocket Watch Top”. 36 inch dials – 18 inch square base – 12 feet from base to center of dials. (Lichtenstein Brothers, Seattle, Washington)
Price Upon Request
For sale
1915 – 2 dial Joseph Mayer street clock with side casting for placement of three flags on each side and lamp top. Base is open on three sides allowing Mayer movement and weight to be viewed. 40 Inch dials - 18 inch square base – 14 feet 5 inches from base to center of dials. (Possibly for Panama-Pacific International Exposition, San Francisco, 1915)
Price Upon Request
For sale
1909 – 2 dial Seth Thomas street clock with fancy top No. 3. 40 inch dials - 24 inch square base – 13 feet 10 inches from base to center of dials. (A. Rosenfield, Leavenworth, Kansas)
Price Upon Request
For sale
1918 – 2 dial Seth Thomas street clock with No. 5 illuminated sign ornament top. 40 inch dials – 24 inch square base – 13 feet 10 inches from base to center of dials. (Sol Levit, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania)
Price Upon Request
Please contact me at searuntrout@aol.com for pricing and more information,
I look forward to hearing from you.
The Griffin:
Own a Piece of History
The bronze Griffin stands 54” in height 38” deep and 13” wide at the base and weighs 396 lbs. The bronze gilded pocket watch is 24” OD with a 20” carved milk glass dial and weights 64 lbs. The pocket watch has two synchronized electric motors, one for the seconds hand and one that runs the minute, hour hands. The dial is back lighted. The Griffin was designed to be either inside or outside.
Custom Frame
I had a custom steel frame made with casters and a 3D designed corbel that replicated the original one. The corbel is made of plastic and only serves as part of the display. The numbers “383" reference the E Howard Boston office address. The Griffin is attached to a bronze base, which is easily detachable from the display stand.
HIstory
Only three Griffin Bracket Clocks were ever made – sadly none survive. This is a exact reproduction of that unique and magnificent public time piece.
More Info
Further details and documentation of the year long project are available to interested buyers.
Please contact me at searuntrout@aol.com for pricing and more information.
I look forward to hearing from you.
It’s About Time
Restoration and reproduction is ALL about the details.
Take a look at the features and functions of the clocks I create and restore…
The Clocks
All these Street Clocks were made of solid cast iron, the base, column and head. According to the original ordering catalogues, “The designs were adopted after many experiments to secure strength and beauty of style.” We could not have said it better ourselves!
The Glass
The dials are covered with 1/4 inch plate glass to protect them from weather.
The Dials
The dials range from 30 inches to 42 inches in diameter, and are made of 3/8 inch thick “Vitrolite” glass. The numerals and minute marks are carved and filled with black paint, producing an excellent contrast against the white glass, looking especially crisp when backlit. The illumination of the dials are from custom designed LED light circles. Center of dials range from 12 feet to 13.5 feet from the ground depending on clock manufacturer.
Photograph courtesy of the Milwaukee County Historical Society
The Restoration
During restoration it is common to find parts missing or broken. We have taken great steps to replace these parts with exact copies of the originals thru extensive and expensive pattern making and recasting in iron. Because of this dedication to perfection we can offer reproduction cast iron parts for any existing vintage street clock separately as well.
The Movements
The clock movements are all weight driven, eight-day, mechanically wound. There is a “rare” auto-winder option available with Seth Thomas Street Clocks. The auto-winder is designed to attach to the original clock movement without affecting the integrity of the movement (which commonly occurs when clocks are electrified).
The Precision
We offer “Vitrolite” glass for dial replacement and can match any style letters or numerals.
About Me, Eric Ryback
Eric’s collecting interest began after being introduced to the wonderful world of tower clocks by his brother-in-law, Dave Gunderson.
Eric was hooked immediately; he continued with street clocks and started the St. Louis Street Clock Company to restore as well as make exact reproductions of parts for public and private clocks.
Eric frequently travels the country on his excursions to find, pick up, and drop off pieces and completed works.
2013 — Eric Joined the NAWCC in 2013 after being introduced to tower clocks by his brother-in-law, Dave Gunderson.
2015 — At the 2015 NAWCC National Convention held in Milwaukee, he placed 2nd in Clock Restoration and 3rd in Wood Clock Cases featuring a ST #4 movement.
2018 — Last year, he won 1st place and the “People’s Choice” Award at the NAWCC National Convention for the Griffin pictured to the left.
As the name suggests, St. Louis Street Clock Company is located in St. Louis, Missouri.
Custom Made Parts
The following are various parts which we have reproduce to exact proportions of the originals. Most require patterns to be made before castings can be produced.
Tick Tock
Please feel free to contact me via the submission form here and I will get back to you as soon as possible. For any and all time sensitive or urgent inquiries I can be reached directly on my cell phone at 314.651.1051.