Preparing to swap the primary spring of a time-only Ansonia watch mechanism
In a fascinating tale of timekeeping restoration, an old Ansonia Extra Drop wall clock was brought back to life after a careful and meticulous process. The clock, manufactured by the Ansonia Brass and Copper Company in the early 1880s [6], was rescued from the brink of recycling and given a new lease of life.
The clock, adorned with a Rosewood veneer, had been running well for three years but in the last few weeks, it had started to malfunction, running for about 5 minutes and then stopping [7]. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the mainspring, a crucial component of the clock's mechanism, had surface rust on the outer two coils and rust on the edges [5].
The first step in restoring the mainspring was its careful removal from the barrel. This often requires partially disassembling the movement to access the mainspring safely without causing damage [1]. The mainspring was then cleaned using a rust remover or a professional clock cleaning solution, taking care to avoid harsh abrasives that might damage the spring metal [1].
Ultrasonic cleaning is often recommended by professionals to remove rust and old grease without harming the spring [1]. For minor surface rust, gentle use of fine steel wool or a brass brush was employed, but very cautiously to avoid weakening the spring. After cleaning, the mainspring was thoroughly dried to prevent further rusting [3].
A thin coat of appropriate clock mainspring lubricant or grease was then applied to the mainspring to reduce future rust and ensure smooth operation [4]. The mainspring was then placed back into the barrel, and the clock movement was reassembled. The clock was tested to ensure proper operation and the desired timing [5].
After fully winding the mainspring, the Ansonia Extra Drop wall clock ran the full 8-day cycle, suggesting that it may now run without stopping [2]. The clock ran well for a couple of days after being reassembled [8].
Minor items such as the verge, hands, pendulum bob, suspension spring/rod, and the drop access door were easily sourced for the Ansonia Extra Drop clock [9]. However, the brass dial bezel is the only significant part missing from the clock [10].
This successful restoration serves as a testament to the importance of proper clock maintenance. Old mainsprings may become weak and may require replacement rather than cleaning if performance is poor [2]. It is also crucial to use oils and lubricants formulated for clocks to avoid damaging the mechanism [1]. If unsure or if the rust is extensive, consulting a professional clock repairer is recommended to avoid damaging the mainspring or movement.
The vintage Ansonia Extra Drop wall clock, now restored to its former glory, breathes new life into a home-and-garden setting, enhancing the lifestyle quality with its captivating timeless design. With its Rosewood veneer and meticulous repair of the mainspring, this clock promises to continue its ticking tale for many years to come.
