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Tubular Hall Clock Overhaul :

 

Movement of nineteenth century English tubular chime hall clock made by Elliott of London, a maker well known for highest quality clocks. This photograph shows the clock before restoration.




Rear view of the movmement showing the oil-soaked and discolored parts.




Side view of movemenet before restoration.




Front of the movement with dial removed. Note the dried and discolored oil in the oil sink depressions surrounding each pivot bearing.




Tubular chime sub-assembly as found. Notice the variety of mismatched hammer tip coverings.




Movement with exterior parts removed. As each part is removed it is inspected for damage, wear, and inappropriate earlier repairs. Where there is a possibility of error, parts are stamped inconspicuously with witness marks to ensure proper reassembly.




The front plate has been removed, exposing the gear work.




Inside surface of the front plate. Notice the stains and residue left by dried oil.




Even the tiny screws securing the winding assembly are removed for inspection, cleaning and polishing.




After an initial cleaning by hand, all pieces are ultrasonically cleaned in specially formulated solutions which remove all traces of tarnish and embedded grit.




A number of parts after initial cleaning. Then next steps, restoration of the original finish, depend on how the parts were finished originally. Some will be highly polished on a buff, and others will be matte finished with a wire wheel.




The bearing surfaces of the steel arbors which carry the brass gears are burnished to a mirror-bright finish to reduce friction and wear. Then the movement is trial assembled and every bearing is inspected for wear. Where any bearing hole has worn out of tolerance, it is drilled out, a replacement bushing is installed then the hole is redrilled to the correct size.




After final repairs, polishing and finishing, all parts are ultrasonically cleaned again and are ready for final assembly.




Nearly done, the movement now looks the way it did when first made.




Hammer drive assembly before restoration.




Hammer drive in pieces ready for reassembly.




Finished hammer assembly showing new leather hammer tips and threaded black cord hammer stops. This assembly will fit on top of the finished movement.




The movement is installed on shop test stand with weights and pendulum where it will be test run for function and timekeeping.




After initial testing, the hammer drive assembly and chime tubes are installed. The clock will be run for a full week without its dial before final delivery to its owner.



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