Posted 7 years ago
shawnicus
(108 items)
Pictures tell most of what I know..snagged it at a consignment store for 15.00 as a decorative piece and I spotted the awesome movement that would run a few ticks when I rocked it so I know its just dirty..,..happyhappy! Anyone know anything?
Also..kinda stumped as to how the movement comes out of the case...thought if I pulled out the 2 nails holding the metal barrel around it in place it would wriggle out but seems to be well wedged in...any suggestions don't wanna break the glass or tweak the movement.
Thanks fortapache
Never seen anything quite like this one before Shawnicus. I only spot one pivot through the back plate. Would be interesting to see the movement from the front and sides. Not sure that would help anything as far as identifying who made it and when. Perhaps there's some stamp or mark on the front of the movement.
I think you're on the right track as far as trying to remove the movement. It looks as though it might be inserted into the case as a movement/dial/bezel assembly. If it doesn't wiggle out of the case, you might try using a short wooden dowel and a small hammer to try and "tap" it just enough to loosen it. Do it with the clock on over something soft like an old towel. If you're concerned about the glass, maybe loosely tape over it with some masking tape. I wouldn't force anything if the clock is currently running. Other than that, just continue to study it and look for clues. It has to come apart some way and eventually it will need to be serviced. At the very least it probably needs to be lubricated. If you want some more suggestions before going at it, try going to the NAWCC's message board and see if any of the folks over there have run across this type of French Clock before. Definitely wouldn't hurt to do so. Good luck with it.
Thanks Bruce it does seem like somehow it comes out the back in trying to push out the front it nudged up till the hands were against the glass...near panicked tiny bit more I think would have shattered the glass...managed to tug it back into place..no way to pry off glass without ruining pretty nice old paintwork
Will keep mumbling at it...that's half the fun!
The hands should come off if there is some type of nut or taper pin. I think that the metal cylinder that the nails go through and into the case certainly is held in place by the nails. There are some antique American Clocks in which the movement is mounted to the dial/bezel. The whole assembly comes out of the case through the front and once free of the case, you can remove the movement from the dial/bezel. If the movement and dial don't move together as a unit, that's probably *not* what you have here. If you remove the hands do you think it would be possible to remove the dial/bezel? Something has to be holding it in. The metal cylinder around the movement has to be the key. Take your time and don't force anything. You'll figure it out. Please let us know what you find out.
Oh superbly beautiful, looks very French to me, so fine the detail. I was told the brass used in French and German workings is inferior to English made, so wear and tear more apparent. Such a find anyway.
Well blew out the dust and lightly oiled the escapement and its been running 3 day s now....still haven't managed to winkle the movement out ..wood is old crackled laquer and not very hardwood so being very careful bout prying at anything...love to clean the inside of the glass but will have to be reealy carefully bout the numbers....they appear to be just flakes of hand paint held to the dial by force of will