You're about to install a new mainspring on a mechanical Ansonia clock, designed for timekeeping only.
Restoring an 1880s Ansonia Extra Drop Clock: A Successful Rust Removal and Oil Change
An 1880s Ansonia Extra Drop time-only Rosewood veneered wall clock, recently acquired and undergoing restoration, presented a challenge due to the mainspring's surface rust. The clock, which had been stored in a barn, was in poor condition when purchased. However, with careful cleaning and treatment, the mainspring was successfully restored without the need for replacement.
The first step in the process was to disassemble the clock movement, allowing safe access to the mainspring. Then, old oil and surface dirt were removed with a soft cloth and specialized pivot cleaning sticks. To tackle the rust, a mild rust remover or a gentle chemical soaking treatment specifically designed for delicate metal clock parts was employed. After rust removal, the mainspring was thoroughly rinsed with distilled water or a clock-safe solvent to remove residues.
Next, the mainspring was dried completely to prevent further rust. A lint-free cloth or air drying in a low-humidity environment was used for this purpose. To protect and restore smooth function, a thin film of Keystone mainspring oil was applied to the mainspring. It's essential to avoid excessive moisture exposure when cleaning and lubricating as internal clock parts are vulnerable to corrosion when wet or inadequately dried.
The Ansonia Extra Drop clock ran well for a couple of days after reassembly and oiling, and during the ultimate test, it ran the full 8-day cycle. Although the brass dial bezel is missing from the clock, this restoration effort demonstrates that with careful cleaning, mild chemical treatment, and re-oiling, it's possible to effectively remove rust from a clock mainspring without replacing it.
In summary, the process for restoring a clock mainspring involves disassembling the movement, cleaning old oil and dirt, treating rust with a mild remover, rinsing and drying, and re-lubricating with high-quality clock oil. This approach can help bring life back to clocks like the beautifully restored Ansonia Extra Drop clock, even after spending time in a barn.
[1] Clock Repair Guide [2] Amjwatchservices [3] Watch U-Fix [4] Horological Journal [5] Watch Forums
- In the vintage home-and-garden setting, a lifestyle that appreciates the beauty of restored gadgets like the Ansonia Extra Drop clock will find valuable advice in Clock Repair Guide and Watch U-Fix forums.
- For further reading on intricacies of antique clock repair, horologists are encouraged to explore resources such as the Horological Journal and Watch Forums, focusing on clock repair techniques and the latest technology in specialized pivot cleaning sticks, rust removers, and clock-safe solvents.
- In addition to vintage clocks, individuals passionate about bringing life back to forgotten gadgets can also seek assistance with their home-and-garden devices from professional repair services like Amjwatchservices or other similar providers.
