Bell Maintenance Examination - First Installment
In a recent project, a 170-year-old Scottish tall case clock, acquired by the author at an online auction, underwent a meticulous restoration process. The clock, adorned with a Birmingham-made English bell strike movement from the 1850s, presented a unique set of challenges due to its age and intricate mechanisms.
The clock's structural integrity was compromised, with issues such as a worn-out suspension spring made from a metal ruler, a loose bell connection with a stripped thread, and enlarged pivot holes requiring at least three bushings. The seconds hand was missing, and the calendar hand was not connected, although the movement had no calendar function.
Common issues encountered when servicing an English bell strike movement in antique clocks include wear and tear on bearings, problems with the bell strike mechanism, accumulation of dust and old lubricants, delicate components susceptible to damage, complex strike sequences, and the need for careful disassembly and reassembly.
The Scottish case and English movement interface also posed a challenge, as ensuring correct fit and proper weight suspension was crucial. The strike rods, being fragile glass components, required delicate handling, while the bell, strike rods, and finer parts like levers and springs were all susceptible to damage during servicing or transport.
In this particular restoration, the rack was bent, the crutch rod connecting to the escape wheel arbour was loose, and the rack tail, a critical component, was damaged and repaired. The cables were old and may need replacement. Loose clicks were present on both the time and strike sides of the movement, and a homemade rack tail spring was too tense, causing the rack tail to strike the snail too hard.
The final step in the repair/restoration of the Scottish tall case clock was the installation of new top finials. Interestingly, there was evidence that the clock had top corner finials at some point in its life, but the author is unsure what the original finials looked like.
One of the won clocks is an Arthur Pequegnat Hamilton clock, a renowned Canadian brand. The author, who focuses on Canadian-made or Canadian-connected clocks, learned some techniques during the transport of a Ridgeway grandfather clock in 2013.
In summary, the restoration process of this antique Scottish tall case clock highlighted the importance of methodical work, slow disassembly, and careful transport due to the delicate strike rods and fragile glass components. The project served as a reminder that antique clock restoration requires patience, precision, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges each clock presents.
[1] Reference: [Link to the original source if available]
The restoration process of this antique Scottish tall case clock, with its vintage English bell strike movement, served as a testament to the intricacies of maintaining a lifestyle that celebrates the beauty of home-and-garden items from the past, such as antique clocks. It reaffirms the importance of knowing fashion-and-beauty trends of the past, as the understanding of these historical elements enhances the appreciation of each unique piece.
