Importance of Helper Springs in E N Welch Clocks
Repairing the Strike Side of E.N. Welch Whittier Model Parlor Clocks
E.N. Welch Whittier model parlor clocks, a rare find among common antique parlor clocks, can sometimes experience issues with their strike side. Common problems include worn or bent strike levers, misaligned racks or snails, dirty or dry pivot points, and weak or broken mainsprings on the striking train. These issues can cause the clock to fail to strike, strike at the wrong times, or strike incorrectly, such as missing strikes or continuous striking.
To repair these issues, a number of solutions can be employed. Cleaning and lubricating all moving parts carefully is essential to ensure smooth operation without causing excess wear. The rack and snail mechanisms must be checked and realigned so that the strike count correctly matches the time. Worn or bent levers or cams that may prevent proper engagement of the strike train should be repaired or replaced. The mainspring on the strike side should be inspected for breakage or weakness and replaced if necessary. The strike hammer and gongs should be adjusted to ensure clear and proper sounding of the strike. Lastly, pivot holes should be confirmed to not be overly worn or misaligned, which might cause the strike side to jam or malfunction.
Because these clocks are antique, care must be taken to preserve as much as possible the original parts and finish. This sometimes requires custom repairs or delicate inpainting on dials if restoration extends to cosmetic areas. While specific detailed guides on E.N. Welch Whittier clock strike repair may not be extensive, the principles above align with standard restoration and repair techniques for similar antique spring-driven strike clocks. For best results, specialized clock repair expertise or consultation with antique clock repair forums or professionals familiar with Welch clocks is recommended to address the typically intricate strike side mechanisms.
The E N Welch Whittier model time and strike parlour clock, a part of a series produced by Welch, Spring & Co., was found in an antique store in Kazabazua, Quebec in 2016. The seller mentioned that the strike side did not work, and the addition of helper springs to the clock solved the issue. However, these thin brass wire helper springs were removed by a previous repair person, which caused the clock to malfunction again. The clock, made of solid walnut and deep brown in color, has only one helper spring located on the hammer assembly.
Despite challenges with the movement of the clock, it was eventually able to run correctly after adjustments. The history of Welch, Spring & Co. involves a shift from producing high-end clocks to manufacturing cheaper, heavily discounted clocks. The Whittier model from Welch's Authors series is a half-hour strike clock, and not every American time and strike movement requires helper springs, but the E N Welch Whittier model did. The company was eventually absorbed by Sessions in 1903. For those seeking detailed step-by-step repair instructions or parts sourcing advice for this particular model, consultation with antique clock repair forums or professionals familiar with Welch clocks is recommended.
The E.N. Welch Whittier model parlor clock, often found in lifestyles that appreciate home-and-garden antiques, may encounter issues with its vintage strike side. To revive this technology, delicate yet precise repair work is required, ensuring the conservation of its historical value while restoring its proper function. This may involve lubricating parts, aligning mechanisms, repairing or replacing worn components, and adjusting the strike hammer and gongs. To ensure success, it's advisable to seek guidance from antique clock repair experts or online forums specializing in such restorations, as these clocks typically possess intricate strike side mechanisms.
