Barr & Poole Poole battery powered clock

[Martin R Walport]

A customer has just brought in a clock marked

POOLE

on the dial and at the base of the dial

MORSE CHAIN CO NY USA

It is powered by 3 D cells and is made of Bakelite on a round base and large glass dome. The dial is silvered with a subsiduary seconds dial at the top and a heavy brass covered, lead pendulum, and is suspended, along with the movement from a bracket, coming up from the base. These clocks maybe well known in the States but it is the fisrt one I have seen here! (Glasgow - Scotland) Can anyone tell me any history regarding this company or their clocks.Thank you.

 

[Martin R Walport]

A customer has just brought in a clock marked

POOLE

on the dial and at the base of the dial

MORSE CHAIN CO NY USA

It is powered by 3 D cells and is made of Bakelite on a round base and large glass dome. The dial is silvered with a subsiduary seconds dial at the top and a heavy brass covered, lead pendulum, and is suspended, along with the movement from a bracket, coming up from the base. These clocks maybe well known in the States but it is the fisrt one I have seen here! (Glasgow - Scotland) Can anyone tell me any history regarding this company or their clocks.Thank you.

 

[eskmill]

There's quite a bit of discussion available from previous queries about the Poole and Barr battery pendulum clocks. Use the "search" facility of this bulletin board using "POOLE" for an argument. Poole's granddaughter is one searching for information. On the Poole clock. Her contributions and from others are a valuable and interesting resource on the Poole clock.

 

[glr1109]

I'm sure you've found(by search) quite a lot of information on the history of Poole as described by "Eckmill". I would be interested in seeing a photo of the clock and knowing the serial number. As far as repairing of the clocks(in my experiance), the major "faults" in the running of the clocks,are: 1)dirty movements. 2)adjustments to the springs. 3)Someone has oiled the movement(oiling is not recommended). Another common problem is corrosion of the battery compartments. Missing battery covers is also fairly common.

Greg

 

[Martin R Walport]

Greg
As you mentioned, corrossion to terminals, dirty, requires cleaning and lubricating. (although working at moment!)
The ref number is 4475, at least I pressume this is the correct number. See enclosed image. I would be glad to see any comments you may have.

 

[Martin R Walport]

Greg
More images.

 

[Martin R Walport]

image of base

 

[Martin R Walport]

Side image of Poole clock as discussed.

 

[glr1109]

Nice looking clock. Actually the company recommended not lubricating the movement. I follow these recommendations. I have only had to place a bushing in one movement. Must be clean! The tough part is making the adjustments. I have gotten to the point of "straightening" everything(suspension rod, adjustment tabs, etc.) before I start trying to adjust the movement. Seems to make it easier for me.

Greg

 

[Martin R Walport]

Thanks for the advice. Thats what I love about horology. Always something new (or should that be old?) around the corner!

Martin