Faulty operation of the Ansonia Drop: The mainspring, found to be corroded, is the reason behind its malfunction.
Restoring the Ansonia Extra Drop Wall Clock: A Detailed Journey
The Ansonia Extra Drop wall clock, a rare and valuable antique timepiece, has undergone a comprehensive restoration process. Manufactured by the Ansonia Brass and Copper Company in the early 1880s, this rosewood veneered wall clock required extensive restoration when it was recently purchased, with the brass dial bezel and several minor items missing.
The restoration process began with a thorough cleaning of the mainspring. During the first servicing, the mainspring was cleaned and smoothed out, but some rust remained. To address this, the mainspring was cleaned further using an ultrasonic cleaner, Scotch Brite abrasive pad, and WD40 during the second servicing. This process is common for removing rust from antique clock mainsprings, involving careful surface rust removal using reputed rust removal agents, mechanical cleaning, and proper handling.
The clockmakers employed a variety of methods to remove rust from the mainspring. They used gentle mechanical cleaning with fine steel wool or a brass brush to remove loose rust. The mainspring was also soaked in a rust remover solution for a short time, followed by thorough drying and lubrication. It's crucial that the process does not weaken or change the temper of the mainspring steel, so mild and controlled methods were preferred over harsh abrasives or aggressive chemicals.
After the second servicing, the mainspring was coated with Keystone mainspring oil, and the clock ran well, completing several full 8-day cycles. However, the mainspring has been pushed to its limit and a replacement may be necessary in the future.
The clock required additional restoration work, including the replacement of the drop access door. Following these repairs, the movement of the Ansonia Extra Drop wall clock is currently running well. In fact, it has completed several full 8-day cycles after the latest servicing, a testament to the successful restoration efforts.
Interestingly, the mainspring was unwound when the clock was received, indicating a reduced chance of it being "set" and the presence of surface rust. This was a fortunate discovery, as it allowed for the thorough cleaning and restoration of the mainspring.
No new parts were required in the recent servicing of the Ansonia Extra Drop wall clock, a testament to the clock's quality and the care it has received over the years. The clockmakers also used specialized tools like mainspring winders to safely remove and handle the spring during restoration, which helped prevent further damage.
In summary, the restoration of the Ansonia Extra Drop wall clock was a meticulous process that balanced effective cleaning with preserving the spring's mechanical integrity. The clock is now in a stage where everything is being put back together, ready to continue its journey through time for many more years to come.
The restoration process for the Ansonia Extra Drop wall clock also included the repair of the drop access door, showcasing the clockmakers' skills in home-and-garden repairs. To fully restore this vintage clock, they employed intricate methods not just for the mainspring, but also gadgets like mainspring winders to ensure that the spring was handled safely. As a result, this antique piece of technology with its luxurious rosewood veneer has been carefully brought back to life, complementing a lifestyle emphasizing the beauty of historical artifacts.
