Hi,
I've just acquired a striking mantel clock from a local vide-grenier. The case is very heavy and seems to made of a cast material (cement, plaster of paris??) clad in what appears to be black granite. It has been painted at some stage, and I plan to remove the paint back to the base material - any advice on this would be appreciated.
The dial is marked "Ducommun" and "Breveté S.G.L.E." which refers to a patent, and "Avignon".
It was not working when I got it, but after removing the movement and letting down the mainspring it appears to be running fine, with no obvious signs of damage. The back plate is marked "D.H. Patented" and has the numbers 2200 and 5 2.
It winds with 2 "retractable" keys, and there is an adjustment to the suspension spring (see photo) operated from the front by means of a small key, which I do not have. I am not sure what this does; can anyone help on this? The only part I've found to be missing is the screw-in pad from the end of the striker arm - will it be possible to find a replacement, or will I need to improvise?
I would be most grateful for any information anyone may have on this clock - I am sure that it will be beautiful when I get it cleaned up.
Thanks,
Ian
I've just acquired a striking mantel clock from a local vide-grenier. The case is very heavy and seems to made of a cast material (cement, plaster of paris??) clad in what appears to be black granite. It has been painted at some stage, and I plan to remove the paint back to the base material - any advice on this would be appreciated.
The dial is marked "Ducommun" and "Breveté S.G.L.E." which refers to a patent, and "Avignon".
It was not working when I got it, but after removing the movement and letting down the mainspring it appears to be running fine, with no obvious signs of damage. The back plate is marked "D.H. Patented" and has the numbers 2200 and 5 2.
It winds with 2 "retractable" keys, and there is an adjustment to the suspension spring (see photo) operated from the front by means of a small key, which I do not have. I am not sure what this does; can anyone help on this? The only part I've found to be missing is the screw-in pad from the end of the striker arm - will it be possible to find a replacement, or will I need to improvise?
I would be most grateful for any information anyone may have on this clock - I am sure that it will be beautiful when I get it cleaned up.
Thanks,
Ian







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