Binkosha Schoolhouse

[leeinv66]

Hi all, I have just recieved my latest purchase (please see links below) a Binkosha Schoolhouse regulator. I would like to find some information on the make. However, a search of the web and this message board has turned up very little information. Does anyone have any info they would share?

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/leeinv66/reg.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/leeinv66/regmove.jpg

Thanks
Peter

 

[ged]

Hello, Looks awfully like a copy of an Ansonia Regulator "A", Regards, Ged.

 

[leeinv66]

Originally posted by ged:
Hello, Looks awfully like a copy of an Ansonia Regulator "A", Regards, Ged.

Yes Ged, it is a Japanese repro of an American regulator from pre WW11. But that is about all I know

Cheers
Peter

 

[eskmill]

According to Charlie Davis' listing of Japanese Clockmakers, Binkosha is one among over a hundred Japanese clockmakers.

I'm certain it would help if you would post photos of the labels.

There is close similarities within the products of clockmakers all over the world and the Japanese products are no exception.

 

[Charles E. Davis]

Peter,
The label I have seen for Binkosha reads
Imperial Quality
Keeps Ten Days While Once Wind
To Hang and Stand Clocks
Manufactured by
BINKOSHA
The logo shown is SIB fitted in a circle with the I taller than the S and B.
The clock had the Aichiken sticker which would indicate Nagoya manufacture.
Interesting is that the same label is used by at least one other company. It is Takara no Kanmura which translates Treasure Crown.
I have seen two other similar labels but both were blank for maker.
So little information, so many questions!
Charlie Davis, La Verne, CA

 

[Bob Reichel]

Try contacting the Japanese Clock group at:
<japaneseclocks@yahoogroups.com>
They are quite a resourse.

 

[leeinv66]

Originally posted by Eckmill:
I'm certain it would help if you would post photos of the labels.

Hi Les, please see pictures attached. I will post some better ones when I can take them in the daylight.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/leeinv66/7f9ba9d6.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/leeinv66/7d1dabe4.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/leeinv66/glass.jpg

Cheers
Peter

 

[leeinv66]

Originally posted by Bob Reichel:
Try contacting the Japanese Clock group at:
<japaneseclocks@yahoogroups.com>
They are quite a resourse.

Thanks Bob, I will drop them a line.

Cheers
Peter

 

[Charles E. Davis]

Eager to see a better shot of the back label. It should give some answers.

 

[leeinv66]

Originally posted by Charles E. Davis:
Eager to see a better shot of the back label. It should give some answers.

Your wish is granted I have also posted the photos to the Japanese clocks group. Now if I could only read Japanese!
Cheers
Peter
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/leeinv66/label1.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/leeinv66/insidelabel.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/leeinv66/BinkoshaSchoolhouse.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/leeinv66/pendulum.jpg

 

[gregg]

I was just looking thru the internet looking for info on my second clock of the same type and low and behold i read this. both of mine have the sayings but no Mfr or japanese labels.One has a big K on the inside label.
Do these have any worth? both of mine needed a little fix up and they keep perfect time.
The first one i paid $25 with a broken glass and door frame, which i repaired and the one i bought today was $1.00 with a tag stating it was broken. Well it wasn't and here it hangs on my wall keeping perfect time. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Gregg

 

[Seth Thomas Fan]

Peter,

Very nice looking clock! I have a Binkosha Schoolhouse that's very similar. The label inside the pendulum viewing window also states:

Imperial Quality
Keeps Ten Days While Once Wind
To Hang and Stand Clocks
Manufactured by
BINKOSHA

Mine, like many Japanese clocks of this genre, is no longer original, as it has been matched with a Meiji dial, based on the dial logo. It also has a different movement than the one that's normally found with clocks of this type. Still, it's very attractive, runs well, and is a welcome addition to my living room. It gains almost 5 minutes by mid-week, but by 7 full days drops back to where it was when I wound it. The wood in excellent shape, other than for a couple gaps between some of the segments of the octagon.







A previous owner soldered in an improvised click spring on the time side. It seems to be working well so I left it alone.

What totally puzzles me is the word "Hatain" written in gold letters diagonally on the pendulum viewing window. The Japanese clock group couldn't help me. It's apparently not even a Japanese word. Adds to the mystery of this clock!

 

[leeinv66]

Hi ST Fan, my clock has the same inside label. I like the pressed design around the edges of your case and I wouldn't have known the dial was replaced if you hadn't said. The movement in mine is original and runs great. I wind it every Sunday and it is always within 60 seconds of the right time. Just love the clock and would not hesitate to buy another if I ever get the chance. Hopefully, Charles will get the label from the back of my clock translated and we might find out a bit more about the company.

Cheers
Peter

 

[Seth Thomas Fan]

Peter,

I only have a fragmentary rear label, but it's written in (broken) English. I'd like to read what your label says once translated.

Here's my rear label:



Maybe if I replaced my clock's time side mainspring it would keep better time; perhaps it's slightly "set". I'm surprised yours keeps such good time!

I got my clock last Summer on Ebay. Even though the dial was made by a different Japanese clock company (Meiji), it seems to be compatible with the rest of the clock. I understand that the Chinese have skillfully pieced together clocks from batches of parts scoured from sources throughout Asia and have exported large numbers of them to the West. From a strict collector standpoint, maybe they're not very valuable, but that doesn't distract from my enjoyment of the clock. They're genuine period clocks from the early 1900's and look very much like the American schoolhouse clocks they were copied from. They're also an affordable way for someone to get an antique wall clock! I definitely prefer these to modern facsimiles made of wood grain-veneer particleboard!

 

[chrsvor25]

ah i just find japanese clocks so lovely, finally got my hands on one thats decent shape, itll hold me over til i can afford an american striking schoolhouse or three!

that binkosha looks like one ive seen on chinese auctions. that worries me!