Waltham Banjo Clock weight and cable

[RayStetter]

I have recently acquired a Waltham Banjo clock. I have not worked on one before. The clock's weight was on the bottom because it's cable had broken. I reattached it and found that the weight wants to hang off center because the drum edge is not at the center of the movement. I didn't find anything in the case to indicate a pulley was used to center the weight so it didn't rub against the case.
Would appreciate any information available.

Thanks,
Ray Stetter
29528

[RayStetter]

I have recently acquired a Waltham Banjo clock. I have not worked on one before. The clock's weight was on the bottom because it's cable had broken. I reattached it and found that the weight wants to hang off center because the drum edge is not at the center of the movement. I didn't find anything in the case to indicate a pulley was used to center the weight so it didn't rub against the case.
Would appreciate any information available.

Thanks,
Ray Stetter
29528

[jacks61fd]

Ray
The weight hook should hang on a pulley. Cable comes off drum,around pulley at weight and then back up to upper or lower movement post. The pulley would be a plain solid wheel type. JACK

[RayStetter]

Thanks for the help. You confirmed what I suspected.

Ray Stetter

[Andy Dervan]

Hello Ray,

I have several Waltham banjo clocks, and I will try and help you, but you need to clarify some points.

If the cable broke and you reattached it; it might not be long enough to run 8 days and/or if it broke once it might break again. I recommend that you purchase new cable, because if you wind it up and the cable breaks it will smash the case bottom.

The weight attaches to a pulley that hangs from the cable. One end of the cable is connected to the
drum and the other end is attached to the opposite side of the movement - hole on the plate on one of the pillars. Release the click and carefully let the weight down to bottom. Hangup the clock, start one end against the end of the drum and slowly wind the weight up using the crank, and do not allow the cable to cross over itself. When completely wound up the the cable will cover drum one strand deep.

Attaching the cable to the correct spot opposite the drum and winding it up properly are two important factors.

I hope that helps.

By the way, I am big Waltham fan. What is the case style and reverse glass scenes.

Andy Dervan

[RayStetter]

Thanks Andy for the additional information. I made a loop in the cable for a tempory fix to see if the clock would run. I plan on overhauling the movement and at that time installing a new cable.
I don't know how many styles there are! It looks like pictures I see of Willard clocks. There is an eagle on time with brass scroll like irons on each side. The scene is of two war ships at sea with the insciption "Lake Erie" "Perry's Victory" "Sept 10th 1813". The stars and strips are displayed in a heart shaped crest with an eagle above and between the ships. The throat has a crest with the Stars and Strips. The wood is a medium color. I haven't determined the wood type yet.

[gre406]

Andy..Can you tell if this is a standard movement used in all Waltham Banjo's??

http://userweb.nni.com/gre406/wb2.jpg

It's been running in the shop now for years,
looking for a case...What do you think??

http://userweb.nni.com/gre406/wb1.jpg

Geo
NAWCC#78594

[Andy Dervan]

Hello George,

That is a later style Waltham banjo clock movement manufactured after 1925.

The key differences from earlier movements are:

change is gearing for geneva stop
movement of idler gear from 1 to 11 o'clock
changes of holes in front plate.
Name is Waltham Watch Co.

What is the movement serial number? I can give a more accurate date with the number.

Nice movement . . Hope you find a home for it sometime. . . Andy Dervan

[gre406]

Andy...thanks for the information..The serial number on the upper left side of the front plate is 9280...What type Banjo case do you think I should be looking for???

Thanks

Geo
NAWCC#78594

[Andy Dervan]

Hi George,

That movement is probably ca 1928-1930.

Typical Waltham production cases were half round, brass rope, or crossbanded (crossbanding in center of frames).

Send me your e'amil address and I send you
some photographs.

Andy

Waltham made extremely high quality movements

[gre406]

Andy..thanks...my email is gre406@nni.com

Yours is not listed on this board..

I look forward to the photos..

Geo
NAWCC#78594

Edited to make the email address live.

[This message was edited by Phil Schilke on January 24, 2003 at 13:25.]