Mason and Sullivan 141-070 mantel clock start up

[BillTron]

I have a family Mason and Sullivan mantel clock that was made for me by my Grandfather. I received it without instructions on using it including winding, how to set the hands, proper maintenance, cleaning, etc. I don't even know how to start it up. I do have a key.

Is there a manual available for this particular movement that could help me figure out how it works? All useful information, clues, and pointers are truly appreciated.

Respectively, Bill

 

[wow]

Do you have the pendulum?

 

[BillTron]

Wow - yes I do. Thanks for the reply. Bill

 

[Willie X]

It may run as is but now would be a good time to clean it up a bit. Start by removing the hands and then the movement.

Then, with a sharpened bamboo skew, pick away any and all dried oil deposits. I see deposots at several LMKplaces on the back plate and the front plate will probably have the same. Examine all the pinions (gears) inside the plates and the inside of the plates where the pivots go through the plates. You will see black deposits of packed dirt in the smaller pinion/gear teeth. Remove all of this with the sharpened skew and then brush away any crumbs using a small stiff brush. Don't overlook the bearing surfaces on each spring barrel.

When all the debri is gone oil the pivots, front plate and back, including the barrel bearing surfaces. This is about 28 points and should take only a few drops of oil TOTAL. Just enough to see. You can apply the oil with the same skewer, just resharpen it so it will be clean.

Wind er up, place the pendulum and check the beat.

If the ticking/beat is uneven, you will need to visit 'beat setting 101' at the top of this page.

The above mentioned actions should be considered temporary shortcut, just to see if your clock will actually run.

To put your clock in good running order it will have to be completely dismantled, including the spring barrells.

AFAIK, There are no instructions for this clock.

Good luck, Willie X

 

[BillTron]

I followed some basic forum instructions and found this in a "sticky" which appear to reference my clock. I'm sure to need more info but I'm doing my homework and getting started.

 

[BillTron]

Willie X - thank you. I'm not a real handy guy and some of your comments lead me to believe I'm close to being out of my league here so I will proceed slowly. i certainly appreciate your knowledge and ideas.

Respectfully, Bill

 

[Willie X]

Going slowly is good.

First thing is to get the movement out. You really can't see or do much of anything until it's in hand. A lot of the things (I already mentioned) will become obvious.

Willie X

 

[R. Croswell]

I have a family Mason and Sullivan mantel clock that was made for me by my Grandfather. I received it without instructions on using it including winding, how to set the hands, proper maintenance, cleaning, etc. I don't even know how to start it up. I do have a key.

Is there a manual available for this particular movement that could help me figure out how it works? All useful information, clues, and pointers are truly appreciated.

Respectively, Bill

Bill, my recommendation is a little different, although I would agree with Willie if you have any serious interest in learning clock repair. The clock was made by your Grandfather, so it is important to you, and you don't want to hurt it. You also said, "I'm not a real handy guy and some of your comments lead me to believe I'm close to being out of my league....", and you probably are, at least for now. The movement in this clock has a lot of years on it and it is almost a sure thing that it will need more than just superficial cleaning and oiling. The movement will need to be completely disassembled and cleaned and any worn pivot holes bushed etc. for it to be reliable in the long-term. Your first attempt at clock repair/servicing would best be on an inexpensive thrift store clock of little family importance.

My recommendation is that you seek out a good local clock shop and just have them do a complete service and when you pick it up, ask them to explain how to operate and care for it.

RC

 

[BillTron]

RC - I appreciate your comments and advice and taking time to write your post. Great idea to get a practice clock to learn on which should give me a good idea of what I would be getting into. I've found the local chapter and hopefully someone can let me know of local repair possibilities.

Regards, Bill