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.