Ansonia clock quit running

[watchtinker]

Hello everyone, I have an Ansonia clock that isn't working. When we first got it seven years ago we got it cleaned and oiled. The man we took it to said it was basically new inside. ever since then it has run with no problems at all. Then a few weeks a go we went on vacation for a week and the clock ran down. Now ever since we got back it won't run. It will tick for a few seconds and then quit. It also sounds pretty weak when it does tick. I would appreciate any ideas about what might be the problem. I looked in there and I don't see any problems, though I know more about watches than clocks.
I have attached some photos, though I'm not sure they will help at all.

 

[R. Croswell]

After 7 years it is past due for cleaning/oiling. Your clock is over 100 years old, no way it is like new. Allowing it to run completely down should not cause any damage but if the spring is lacking lubrication it may not wind and unwind as smoothly as it should. Not likely that going on vacation caused the problem. More likely the "condition" has been developing over time and this event was just the trigger. Take it to a reputable shop and have it serviced and I bet it will be just fine.

RC

 

[watchtinker]

Thank you very much. Unfortunately I'm not sure if there is a reputable shop in my area

 

[shutterbug]

If you are a watch repairman, this movement would not be a huge challenge for you to service yourself. You would need some bigger equipment than you likely have now (spring winder), but you could make most of what you need. That movement doesn't have the 1/2 hour passing strike on a bell, which is a plus for a first time experience. We're here to help if you want to try it.

 

[rodlloyd]

The oil looks pretty gummy on the pivots.

 

[watchtinker]

If you are a watch repairman, this movement would not be a huge challenge for you to service yourself. You would need some bigger equipment than you likely have now (spring winder), but you could make most of what you need. That movement doesn't have the 1/2 hour passing strike on a bell, which is a plus for a first time experience. We're here to help if you want to try it.

I don't think I have the knowledge right now to work on this. Nor do I have any of the tools.
I'm not sure what you mean by a 1/2 hour passing strike on a bell, but if you mean does it strike on the half hour, it does. It strikes every hour and half hour.
Just out of curiosity, does anybody know specifically how old this clock is? I got it from my grandfather and he apparently found it somewhere. So I really don't know anything about the age or quality of this clock

 

[watchtinker]

Also, I just looked at it again and I noticed a lot of little brass shavings in the bottom of the clock. I can't see where they came from though

 

[Bruce Alexander]

Of course you can pull the movement, pack it carefully and send it out to shop for an overhaul and testing. You'll save a lot in shipping charges by doing so.

 

[bangster]

Send an email to David LaBounty About Time Clocks (google it). Explain the deal, ask what he'd charge to service your clock. He gets business from all over the country.

 

[R. Croswell]

Also, I just looked at it again and I noticed a lot of little brass shavings in the bottom of the clock. I can't see where they came from though

Brass shavings are not a good sign. They probably came from directly above where they are found. You will need to remove the movement to do or have done any repair work so if you can do that and take more pictures perhaps we can identify the problem.

My first clock repair was this movement back in 1967. I guess it would date to late 1800s. Not a bad movement.

RC

 

[Chris D]

Any chance the count lever could be jammed in one of the slots?

 

[shutterbug]

Just FYI, a passing strike involves another lever that is activated by the center shaft on the opposite side from the hour lift. It's usually a pain to get it into the movement and functioning properly. You clock uses the same lever to trigger both the hour and half hour strike. Much easier to work with.
I haven't tried to research it, but I'd guess your clocks age at 100 years, give or take a decade.

 

[bangster]

Brass shavings? Oh dear.