New Haven #511 pendulum bob question

[ahemsley]

I have a New Haven #511 from the 1886 catalog, according to Tran Duy Ly's book. (There's a photo of the case being glued for reference). It has the original pendulum bob which appears to be adjustable. There is a small, broken cotton thread still attached to some of its parts. I'm looking for advice on how this worked and how to be able to restore the functionality, even if accuracy is not what it once was. There seem to be other issues with the rod on which the bob sits, but the string is the part that I'm most interested in. Thank you in advance for any assistance.

 

[Willie X]

It's a visual 'fast slow' rate indicator. It can be repaired but it has no bearing on the accuracy of the clock's timekeeping, purely an ornamental selling feature.

It had an inventor and patents. Others will probably chime in on those points.

Willie X

 

[Steven Thornberry]

The cord (or string) allows for the movement of the needle. See the patent document, US238392.

 

[shutterbug]

So it wraps around the center and hooks to a non-moving part of the pendulum. Then when you adjust the lower nut, the string will move the needle on the pendulum.

 

[ahemsley]

The cord (or string) allows for the movement of the needle. See the patent document, US238392.

Thank you - the patent shows me exactly what to do, I'll experiment with the pieces I have.

 

[ahemsley]

Thank you - the patent shows me exactly what to do, I'll experiment with the pieces I have.

So, I have a new string in place and the bob pieces are spot-soldered back together again. One part of the patent sheet shows the pendulum rod, with a rectangular slot cut into it (Fig. 2 d). This seems to the the place where the rod on this clock broke and the last person to do a repair squeezed the two broken sides together to form a loop. I'm guessing this went onto the end of a long suspension spring. I thought of trying to solder part of another pendulum rod here to create a more stable attachment. Using the calculator, (Calculate Pendulum Length | Horology - The Index), I have estimated the PL as 9.76". Does this sound reasonable as an approach or would you guys have better solutions?

 

[wow]

I have always thought these pendulums were neat. I have only seen a couple that were working and complete. It would be time consuming, but I would get a sheet of brass and use the broken piece as a templet and the diagram you have and make a new one so it would work as it did originally. Fun project?

 

[ahemsley]

I have always thought these pendulums were neat. I have only seen a couple that were working and complete. It would be time consuming, but I would get a sheet of brass and use the broken piece as a templet and the diagram you have and make a new one so it would work as it did originally. Fun project?

The brass rod is about 1/8" thick and I'd need to fashion the end that hangs on the suspension spring, the rate adjuster end and the central string holding part. Your suggestion sounds great, but is way beyond my skill set! Maybe I'll keep it in mind for a later time when I know more about brass crafting. Thank you!

 

[ahemsley]

The brass rod is about 1/8" thick and I'd need to fashion the end that hangs on the suspension spring, the rate adjuster end and the central string holding part. Your suggestion sounds great, but is way beyond my skill set! Maybe I'll keep it in mind for a later time when I know more about brass crafting. Thank you!

Here's the bob, working as it should. There's a slight wobble to the bob, but it still continues to function. Lovely piece of ingenuity, and I may one day try to make the brass version of the rod.