Clocks are complicated - Smiths Enfield

-
But at the same time mechanical clocks are a marvel
 I bought this Smiths Enfield mantel clock from a clock enthusiast in Halifax, NS for what I thought was a pretty fair sum. I doubt that this clock has ever been serviced so I didn't expect much. The case was a little beaten up as well but I spent a little time sanding and lacquering the case to bring it up to what I think is a very presentable condition.

The clock ran fast from the start to the tune of 15 minutes per day and a clock forum I belong to (NAWCC) gave me all kinds of advice, some a little questionable but the opportunity to ask questions and hear from experts gave me the confidence to do a little repair by replacing the suspension spring which was (apparently) too short.The spring is that little thingy at the top of the first photo, a pretty simply fix but it meant ordering a part from Timesavers in the US. Not a problem, great service and speedy delivery. Now to see if it will work. After applying pivot oil judiciously, I started it up. At first it was still gaining time but not as much as before but now I am not so sure. Perhaps it did help and perhaps I did fix it after-all.

Anyway, I like this hobby and with my confidence steadily building I am on the look-out for a new acquisition. Now where is that Pequegnat Regulator #1?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Seth Thomas Gothic Beehive Mantle Clock

-
Image
Seth Thomas Beehive Mantle clock circa 1928 This is a Seth Thomas Gothic beehive mantle clock. The face has Henry Birks & Sons inscribed on it and obviously the company contracted the clock out to Seth Thomas at that time. The movement is an 89AL which was used in a variety of clock between 1922 and 1928 so I would put this clock at around the 1928 period. There is a little plaque inside the back access door giving the reseller location which in this case is Amherst, Nova Scotia. I has been running all day now and I am just waiting to see whether it gains or loses time. I will know in about 24 hours. The beat is good but the clock chimes the hours on the half hour which is obviously not supposed to happen. It means a minute hand pin adjustment once I know that the clock can run steadily. As is typical of these old clocks there was a lot of dirt and grime on the finish. Rather than take the dramatic step of refinishing the clock it is far easier to take a good cleaner, in my
Read more

Seth Thomas Round Top Mantel Clock

-
Image
Seth Thomas Dome clock I wrote about this clock a few months back and at that time it was only running for a couple of days. I was pretty happy with my purchase since I had picked it up at a junk / antique store just about a 1/2 hours drive from here. It has, in fact been running wonderfully for several months now. It's a bit idiosyncratic in that despite being an 8-day clock it does not like being wound right down because the count wheel for the strike gets confused and strikes the hour on the half hour instead. Could be it needs some adjustment. Keeping it wound without it stopping has proven to work. It also ticks quite loudly but it is in our dining room and certainly not intrusive in that location. It has been oiled and seems to runs just fine. The walnut case is in excellent condition and a good rubbing with Murphy's Soap has virtually restored the cabinet. I make it a point not to redo the clock finish if it has minor nicks and scratches. I have an assortment of
Read more

No one told me about the last ten minutes

-
Image
My office for many years No one told me about the last ten minutes It was my very last day as a faculty member. After 18 years with the organization it was time to say goodbye and begin the next chapter of my life. Yes, there were some tough years but by and large it was a very sweet gig and a tremendous period of growth and development for me personally. My wife was a great support all through this transition process. I could not have gone through all of this alone. <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1337403531080766" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <!-- joinersmusings_page_body_Blog1_1x1_as --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1337403531080766" data-ad-slot="1853062240" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins> <scr
Read more