Old English Suspension Spring - Rita casualty!

[DenisG]

Hi all,

I would welcome any advice on a job that came into my shop earlier today. My customer has two 1700s English tall case clocks, both quite beautiful. They were relocating them to a safer place in their home before Rita blew in and... well I'm sure you can guess the rest. One of them toppled over doing some damage to the dial and movement. The other survived unscathed other than the suspension spring breaking.

My question is on the suspension spring. It is the type which is riveted to the top of the pendulum rod and has a 'block' at the top that rests in the bridge. There is no way I can see to remove the block from the spring. The spring is broken clean across about 1/2" from the top just under the block. What would be the preferred method of repair? Is there a parts shop that supplies then spring/top block combinations, or do I need to effect some sort of repair with what I have left?

Any and all advice much appreciated as always.

Denis

 

[DenisG]

Hi all,

I would welcome any advice on a job that came into my shop earlier today. My customer has two 1700s English tall case clocks, both quite beautiful. They were relocating them to a safer place in their home before Rita blew in and... well I'm sure you can guess the rest. One of them toppled over doing some damage to the dial and movement. The other survived unscathed other than the suspension spring breaking.

My question is on the suspension spring. It is the type which is riveted to the top of the pendulum rod and has a 'block' at the top that rests in the bridge. There is no way I can see to remove the block from the spring. The spring is broken clean across about 1/2" from the top just under the block. What would be the preferred method of repair? Is there a parts shop that supplies then spring/top block combinations, or do I need to effect some sort of repair with what I have left?

Any and all advice much appreciated as always.

Denis

 

[chasbaz]

Hello Denis,
The block is usually riveted on and then ground down so you can't see the rivets. If you split the top block you will have to do the same to the bottom block too, in order to fit a new spring. I use a sharp blade just where the spring enters the block and tap it with a hammer, but is it tricky to avoid some bruising.

Material suppliers sell these two-block longcase/bellstrike suspensions - the ones I have are about 5.25" long. Often they need some modification.

Regards,
Charles

 

[DenisG]

Thanks Charles. I will order a replacement and modify it as required. I appreciate your help!

Denis

 

[chasbaz]

Denis,
Looking at the Timesavers catalogue, they do a single-ended spring which might do (#17675) - that way you could try fitting it into your old block, which presumably fits your crutch correctly.

Have a nice day!
Charles

 

[DenisG]

Charles, that looks perfect! I have ordered 2 (just in case), along with my usual array of parts, bits and bobs from Timesavers

Thanks again!

Denis