Mike's Clock Repair

In for repair is a Victrola tabletop model VV-IV serial 302,899E .  According to the serial number, this unit was made in 1917 during the Great War (WWI).  More information about the Victrola company . More than 8,000,000 Victors and Victrolas were produced between 1906 and 1929, and it has been estimated (based on a statistical analysis of surviving examples) that well over 600,000 are still around in 2020. The motor on this unit is a single spring motor.  Other floor models had a longer running time and had a 2 spring motor.  This tabletop model was very popular in its day and sold for $15-$25.  The case is solid oak.  All in all the unit was is rather good shape for 100+ years old although there is significant rust on the steal trim, record table, and crank and the felt record table is badly damaged but original. Below is an image of the unit as it was delivered: This “Victor Talking Machine” had to be made immediately after WWI.  During the war, there were no wooden flaps and the w

In for repair is an E.N. Welch kitchen clock.  The clock was very dry and dusty with significant wear in the pivot holes.  A nice clock with a very upside in repair potential. For a brief history of the E.N. Welch clock company of Forestville, Conn. click << here >> .  This clock was manufactured about 1870-1880. Here is a picture of the clock as it came into the shop: and the stamped manufacturer Notice that the stop gear mechanism on the strike side is missing.  Both stop gears are present but on the strike side, not complete.  At one time, this part was removed.  I suspect that repairman could not adjust this part of the clock correctly.  Stop gears are used to maximize the best part of the mainspring in clocks.  In general, the most power is at the beginning of the wind and the least power is at the end.  These stop gears do not let the clock run past a certain point.   If the time side did not have the stop mechanism active, the clock would keep good time until the end

In for repair is an Ansonia School House Octagon clock .  The Ansonia company has a very rich history in the United States.  For more information on the Ansonia Clock Company, follow this << link >> Here are a couple images of the clock as it entered the shop.  This post describes the problems with this clock and the work performed to get it in excellent running condition. The bezel was not attached and the glass was very dusty. This image shows the bezel off.  The label on the face says "A. Claus Time"  This was perhaps a Jewelry/Clock/Watch repair shop. This image shows the clock with the face removed.  This particular model had the movement installed at an angle.  This is by design. Note the stamp of "Ansonia Clock Co." and the number "10".  This stamp tells us that the clock/movement was made in 1910. Clock repair can be like being an archaeologist.  Uncovering the historical past.  Here we see an interesting rep

In for repair is a Mauthe desk clock.  This is a one day clock with a musical alarm.  Here is a closeup picture of the face.  Notice the logo, F M S and the eagle.  This is the logo for Friedrich Mauthe of  Schwenningen, Germany .  The town if famous for  Carnival celebrations. According to Wikipedia, Friedrich Mauthe's started the business in 1844.  His sons Christian (1845-1909) and Jakob (1847-1915) took over the management of the family business in 1876 . In 1886 Mauthe started manufacturing its own springs. In 1899 , the company made its own housing. Around 1900, alarm clocks , pendulum clocks, grandfather clocks, buffet clocks and office clocks were offered, at that time the number of employees was approximately 1,100.   For more information about the maker follow this link . The initial reported problem was that  the winding mechanism on the time side slipped.  After examination and disassembly, it was found that the click, click spring, & click wheel were damaged.

In for repair is a Gustov Becker Blue Delft Holland wall clock.  The movement is stamped with the Gustov Becker stamp marked Germany, this clock is an early 1900’s (1910) 8 day clock  movement.  The face depicts a native Holland scene in a Delft blue and white decoration. I believe this movement is slightly older than the early 1900's.  Notice there are no screws holding the plates together.  Only taper pins. More information about Gustov Eduard Becker .  His clock company . This image shows the movement removed from the case. Follow the arrows, the mainspring is removed.  It is easy to see the damaged click and the solder repair of the winding arbor and wheel.  This is not a good repair but is solid so the decision was to leave this repair intact. The mainspring let go because the click did not hold.  This could have caused even more damage to the movement.  This movement was lucky that no other wheels of the movement were damaged.  The image below shows the damaged cli

In for repair is an antique record player with a SAAL motor.  Serial number 17692 built in Chicago Ill. The movement was extremely dirty.  This is a picture of the movement before any work was done. Very greasy After taking the mechanism apart the grease is really visible. This is a picture of the main spindle The mainspring barrel Another look at the barrel Parts after cleaning and before assembly A closer look After cleaning and assembly Finished Product, a smooth running phonograph motor