Preparing to swap the primary spring in a time-only Ansonia movement clock mechanism
In a heartening tale of restoration, an old Ansonia Extra Drop wall clock, manufactured by the Ansonia Brass and Copper Company in the early 1880s, has been brought back to life after a few days of careful maintenance. The clock, which had been running well since its last service three years ago, suddenly started running for only a few minutes before stopping.
The symptoms were clear: the clock would stop if wound halfway and would not run at all if wound tight, due to surface rust and other contaminants causing the coils to bind together. Faced with this issue, the owner embarked on a mission to revive the antique timepiece.
The first step was to remove the mainspring carefully from the clock’s barrel to avoid bending or damaging it. The mainspring, with rust on the outer two coils and rust on the edges, was then cleaned using a Brillo pad, steel wool, and a microfiber cloth to eliminate roughness.
After cleaning, the mainspring was inspected thoroughly for any cracks, breaks, or weakened areas caused by rust. Fortunately, the mainspring had no cracks or splits and had plenty of power, indicating it was still structurally sound and flexible enough for reuse.
A thin film of Keystone mainspring oil was applied to the mainspring to lubricate it properly and ensure smooth operation. The lubricant was applied sparingly and evenly along the spring. The mainspring was then reinstalled correctly back into the barrel, ensuring it was seated evenly and without twists.
The Ansonia Extra Drop wall clock was reassembled and oiled, and it ran well for a couple of days after being placed on the test stand. However, the ultimate test came on the fourth day, when the clock ran the full 8-day cycle, indicating that it may now run without stopping.
The only significant part missing from the clock was the brass dial bezel. Minor items such as the verge, hands, pendulum bob, suspension spring/rod, and the drop access door were easily sourced. With these parts in place, the clock now stands proudly on a shelf, ticking away the hours once more.
This restoration serves as a testament to the longevity and resilience of antique clocks, and the importance of proper maintenance to keep them running smoothly. For those with similar clocks, the process of cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, and reinstalling a rusty mainspring can be a rewarding DIY project. But remember, if the rust damage is extensive, replacement might be necessary for safety and functionality.
The restored vintage Ansonia Extra Drop wall clock, now adorned with a new brass dial bezel, makes a perfect addition to a home-and-garden lifestyle, embodying the charm of vintage gadgets. With the help of clock repair techniques like mainspring cleaning, lubrication, and reinstallation, this piece of technology was brought back to its original glory. Furthermore, the successful restoration of this antique timepiece highlights the potential for vintage clocks to still contribute to one's lifestyle, provided they receive regular maintenance and care.
