Flying Pendulum Clock

[BryanNelson]

I recently found out today that this clock a great grandfather of mine is called a "flying pendulum" clock. My family has always called it a "shoe-button" or "shoe-string" clock. However, from what I have found, my clock does not look like what I have found online. Any idea of a more specific name for this clock? Thank You for the assistance. Bryan

 

[novicetimekeeper]

I have not seen one like that before either. I've only seen the ignatz type and some repro wooden movement clocks

Flying pendulum clock - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Schatznut]

I recently found out today that this clock a great grandfather of mine is called a "flying pendulum" clock. My family has always called it a "shoe-button" or "shoe-string" clock. However, from what I have found, my clock does not look like what I have found online. Any idea of a more specific name for this clock? Thank You for the assistance. Bryan

View attachment 633069

Now that is one cool clock! I hope you can get enough information about it to get it operating - I'd love to see a video of it when it is going again.

 

[shutterbug]

It looks like a very early flying pendulum. Only one wire to wrap around? That's a little odd. These clocks are novelty clocks and good conversation starters, but are not worth much as time keepers

 

[JTD]

Only one wire to wrap around?

I can see two posts; or have I misunderstood?

JTD

 

[BryanNelson]

I can see two posts; or have I misunderstood?

JTD

There is a third post on the right hand side of the picture. It got cut off a little bit when I took the picture. My dad, who the clock before handing it down to me, on had it going a few times during my childhood. Just to show people how it worked. However, Im now wanting to restore it with as much original parts as I can. Some of the wood gears are worn down.

 

[BryanNelson]

It looks like a very early flying pendulum. Only one wire to wrap around? That's a little odd. These clocks are novelty clocks and good conversation starters, but are not worth much as time keepers

That is correct about only having one wire. That is all I ever remember it having. As far as we know, my great grandfather made it somewhere between 1905ish and 1930. He was a licensed watch maker in Minnesota (we have the license cards). He is also mentioned in a book about early Swedish American wood carvers that was published in 1953, three years after he passed away.

 

[Burkhard Rasch]

interesting clock and story behind it! Any chance of pics of the movement?
Burkhard

 

[JTD]

There is a third post on the right hand side of the picture. It got cut off a little bit when I took the picture

Yes, I see it now.,

That is correct about only having one wire.

If by 'wire' the thread with the flying ball is meant, then yes, I believe one thread is correct.

JTD

 

[zedric]

However, Im now wanting to restore it with as much original parts as I can. Some of the wood gears are worn down.

Really appreciate you sharing pictures of this - its an interesting clock! There is a specific forum here for wooden movements, so if you are looking for advice on restoring the movement, then it might be worth posting pictures of the movement and any specific questions on that forum.

 

[shutterbug]

On more modern flying ball clocks, the string wraps around two wires. That's what I was asking about.

 

[Jmeechie]

Really cool looking clock! Would love to see the movement! I’m curious about the additional winding hole? The thing I like is the hour hand is geared around the flying ball shaft! The one thing about this style of clock is they were certainly worthless timekeepers! I’m betting this was your grandfathers counter or window display showing his clock making abilities as well as a conversation piece.
cheers,
James