How to refine the mechanism of a Gilbert Mantel Clock
Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2012 10:24 am
I had to post some pictures from the latest clock I am working on. It is an old Gilbert Striking Mantel Clock. The case is quite tatty but picked up at a boot sale by my uncle for just £10.
So, to the first refinement;
Pivot hole worn too big? No problem, just solder a small piece of steel into the hole to bring it roughly back to size. Such a neat job I hardly noticed it!
Having never seen one of these movements I am not sure where the original return spring(not sure of correct term?)was but it obviously has been broken off or lost. Solution? wrap wire around everything until the strike mechanism works again.
If anybody can shed some light on what should be there I would appreciate it. Along with the usual punching up of pivot holes to make them smaller and a good soaking in wd40, this lovely old clock has pretty much seen it all, but, I feel a thank you to the bodger is in order as if it wasnt for them keeping poor frankenstein working he might not be here for me to make all better.
So, to the first refinement;
Pivot hole worn too big? No problem, just solder a small piece of steel into the hole to bring it roughly back to size. Such a neat job I hardly noticed it!
Having never seen one of these movements I am not sure where the original return spring(not sure of correct term?)was but it obviously has been broken off or lost. Solution? wrap wire around everything until the strike mechanism works again.
If anybody can shed some light on what should be there I would appreciate it. Along with the usual punching up of pivot holes to make them smaller and a good soaking in wd40, this lovely old clock has pretty much seen it all, but, I feel a thank you to the bodger is in order as if it wasnt for them keeping poor frankenstein working he might not be here for me to make all better.