30 Hour Long Case with Two Weights

[wspohn]

Almost all of the 30 hour long case clocks I have seen operate with only one weight, but I have one that is a rope drive clock with two weights and independent ropes.

Is this possibly original or is it likely to be a later modification? The clock is c. 1800 and made in Wales.

 

[Steven Thornberry]

Do you have pictures of clock and movement?

 

[wspohn]

I don't but I can take some. It is a very conventional two handed brass dial clock (11" dial). I hadn't seen any two rope set ups before and just wondered if there was a way to tell what was original.

 

[Jim DuBois]

If there is a click wheel on both main wheels then it is a very good chance it started life as a two weight. I have had one such example in years past. If they, the click wheels and ratchets don't match then one might conclude it is a later "improvement" and that is certainly possible too....

 

[novicetimekeeper]

Lantern clocks were originally two separate trains with separate weights (also wound in opposite directions)

That changed with the introduction of the Huygens loop system. The advantages are longer duration for the same height, and maintaining power.