A picture of hte mechanism gears after partial disassembly - note the oil standing in the teeth of the smaller gears - clearly this piece was kept running any way possible, short of being taken apart and cleaned. Initially this caused concern, because oily brass gears tend to accumulate dust and grit, which becomes embedded in the brass, and cuts the pinion teeth. - SNClocks.com Vienna Regulators- powered by SmugMug

Documenting the restoration of a lovely provencial mechanism

Gallery pages: 1 2 >

< 6 of 15 >

SNClocks > Dial post restoration - note the exceptional caligraphy and the very fine, hand-made hands.

SNClocks > Number on the back of the dial pan - A makers note to remeber a measurement, preserved when the ink etched the brass?

SNClocks > Mark on back of dial center, apparently applied in ink and possibly fired into the porcelain.

SNClocks > Mark on back of chapter ring - the calligrapher checking his stylus perhaps.

SNClocks > Front of mechanism before cleaning, showing the rather tarnished condition of the piece

SNClocks > A picture of hte mechanism gears after partial disassembly - note the oil standing in the teeth of the smaller gears - clearly this piece was kept running any way possible, short of being taken apart and cleaned. Initially this caused concern, because oily brass gears tend to accumulate dust and grit, which becomes embedded in the brass, and cuts the pinion teeth.

SNClocks > The mechanism in pieces before cleaning.

SNClocks > The mechanisms winding drum after cleaning and re-assembly. Note the excellent condition of the ever so small screws, the use of a screw to retain the slotted washer which retains the arbor in the gear, the beautifully detailed click spring, and the replacement tooth to the bottom of the gear.

SNClocks > Other side of the winding drum

A picture of hte mechanism gears after partial disassembly - note the oil standing in the teeth of the smaller gears - clearly this piece was kept running any way possible, short of being taken apart and cleaned. Initially this caused concern, because oily brass gears tend to accumulate dust and grit, which becomes embedded in the brass, and cuts the pinion teeth.