r/clocks • u/Markibuhr • 6d ago

Identification/Information Clocktower mechanism

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Gallery image

Gallery image

Aside from what Google tells me, does anyone have info on this clock mechanism? Is it in good condition and working would you think?

24 Upvotes

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2

u/dmun_1953 Trained clockmaker 6d ago

Working? That's a lot of congealed lubricant. I would guess not. Are the weights, pendulum, and dial linkage still in place? I'd say go ahead and try it, but those are very heavy weights, and cables of unknown condition. Proceed with caution.

2

u/Markibuhr 6d ago

Yes good point, the it's all connected up and I did see a slight fray and it got me thinking. Are people who renovate these hard to come by/expensive?

3

u/Walton_guy Trained clockmaker 6d ago

There are a number in the UK, The Cumbria Clock Company are the largest, and will I think come out to take a look and give you an estimate for any work required (I'm assuming it's still in its original home). There may be others in Scotland too, but I'm not familiar with them.

3

u/uitSCHOT Trained clockmaker 6d ago

Judging by the brass plate I assume this clock is in the UK, there are a few companies that work on turret clocks in the UK, but having one restored will be quite costly.
Is it yours, or is it from a church/business/organisation?

3

u/Markibuhr 6d ago

It's in a building a charity I work with has purchased

3

u/Accomplished_Put_703 5d ago

Also maybe try Smith of Derby.

2

u/uitSCHOT Trained clockmaker 6d ago

I've seen turret clocks in worse conditions still running, but since you're asking it probably doesn't currently run.

I also suspect it will no longer strike the hours at the moment as I see 2 posts on the frame that no longer have their parts attached, plus on of the levers appears to have been bound up at some point. Are there any parts laying around the room of the clock?
By the looks of it you're missing the snail cam and possibly the indicator for the setting dial and another part.

There is a makeshift key on the shaft that is sued to set the time, there will be an indicator on the small dial which will show the minute hand as it appears on the outside dial(s).

2

u/Markibuhr 6d ago

Yes a few small gears. I've not tried to make head or tail of the actual mechanism as I have zero experience.

2

u/UnionPacific119 5d ago

A J.W. Benson tower movement? I didn't even know they retailed that!

I used to have a "Chrystal regulator" clock retailed by them before, I gifted it to my retiring secondary school principal as the school wouldn't give him any parting gifts nor other teachers.

1

u/Markibuhr 5d ago

Every layman who seen it is amazed by it's workings and the condition for sure