Restoration of Mauthe (FMS) wall clock - Phase Two: Servicing the Time Mechanism
In the charming town of Truro, Nova Scotia, a local resident recently discovered a hidden gem - a German FMS Mauthe wall clock. The clock, which once belonged to a family that lived in Parrsboro over a century ago, was in need of some tender loving care.
The author, an enthusiast of clock mechanics, designed and built an extension for his movement test stand to work on movements with long pendulums such as this one. With a heart for preserving history, he embarked on a mission to restore the clock to its former glory.
Upon closer inspection, the clock's time and strike movement was found to be 116 beats per minute (BPM), as indicated by the number 105 on the back plate. The minute hand, however, posed a challenge. Soldered to the arbour, a practice not standard in FMS Mauthe movements, it was also in backwards. This unconventional method, while common in some clock repairs, is inappropriate for these precision mechanical clocks.
Soldering the minute hand to the arbour on a German FMS Mauthe wall clock movement is inadvisable because it compromises the mechanical integrity and adjustability of the clock. The rigid joint created by soldering can potentially damage the delicate clockwork, preventing smooth operation, and interfering with the proper time setting or hand movement. Moreover, soldering can introduce heat that may warp or distort components, causing malfunction or requiring more extensive repairs.
Maintaining original assembly techniques is crucial for preserving the function and value of these vintage clocks. The minute hand typically fits snugly but not permanently fixed to the arbour to allow for proper alignment and easy removal if servicing is needed. Thus, soldering risks damaging this careful mechanical interaction and is therefore considered inappropriate.
The movement, though in need of some TLC, was generally in good condition. The pallets, escape wheel, and pivots had little or no wear and polished up nicely. However, four pivot holes needed attention, two of which were quite worn. The number 20934 on the back plate refers to a production run, but the date associated with that number is unknown.
An interesting find was the Adler gong, adorned with the FMS eagle. The eagle was placed on gongs going forward in 1898, suggesting the clock is from about 1898 - 1905. No new facts about the clock's components or numbers on the back plate were mentioned in this discovery.
Removing the dial requires pulling 4 pins from the support posts and removing the bottom rail secured by two machine screws. As the restoration continues, the author will share more insights about this fascinating German FMS Mauthe wall clock and the journey of bringing it back to life. Stay tuned!
The vintage FMS Mauthe wall clock, discovered in Truro, Nova Scotia, is undergoing a meticulous restoration process, moving from 'lifestyle' to 'home-and-garden', then 'fashion-and-beauty' with the stunning Adler gong adorned with the FMS eagle. As the author carefully disassembles the clock, a unique challenge emerges - the minute hand soldered to the arbour, a practice that compromises the clock's mechanical integrity as stated in 'technology' and 'gadgets'. Brilliant solutions for the restoration process along with more facts will be shared, promising a captivating journey documented in the realm of 'travel'.
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