Re: Gustav Becker P64
Well there you go - got it out of its case and it isn't a P74, it is a P64. The serial number is 1819214. The rod I have is from top to tail just over 66cm in length so I am guessing that the rod is not long enough, which then means that the case is also too small, that is if the 64 relates to from the top of the rod to the middle of the bob which is what I presume it should be.
Karlos, thanks very much for the photos. This solves the "74" question, actually the P64 is a common pendulum length for GB Vienna style clocks. The measurement is from the center of the suspension spring to the bottom tip of the pendulum rod, "not" to the center of the bob as is commonly used for American clocks. The Germans used the measure I described almost universally.
Scottie, I agree the 74 is not uncommon in general terms but up to now I've never seen that pendulum length stamp on a Becker movement. The following pendulum length stamps have been documented to date for Freiburg clocks:
| P12 | P14 | P18 | P21 | P23 | P26 | | P30 | P35 | P37 | P42 | P48 | P54 | P64 | P65 | P65.5 P66.5 | P75 | P95 | P112 |
However, I will concede that P75 is very close to P74.
The case appears to be of the same type used by GB for many of their clocks and should work OK if your pendulum rod is 66 cm and will fit in the case. I agree with Scottie that the weight of the bob shouldn't stop the clock; assuming the movement is cleaned and properly lubricated I would look for some other cause such as being out of beat or lock and drop not set correctly or too much slack where the crutch pin fits into the slot in the pendulum rod. 3-pound weights should work as Scottie points out.
Based on the serial number and logos your movement was made in late 1904 at the GB Freiburg, Silesia factory. Keep us posted on your progress with putting all this together, I think it will be a very presentable clock when finished.
