Davis Calendar Clock

This is my current project.   Its a Davis Calendar Clock.  All original c. 1880 - 1906

Original works were made by the Gilbert Clock Company. 

I have not started on the case, what you see is un-touched.

Here is what I could find out about the Davis Clock Co. 
In 1880, Davis Clock Company was formed by N. L. Davis on "Factory Hill" west of present Troter Civic Center. The company manufactured clock cases.  Movements were purchased from various Connecticut manufacturers.

In 1887, N. L. Davis contracted with William L. Gilbert to be supplied with 8000 OG #2 movements with weights.

The Columbus Index newspaper reported that a collector for the firm was robbed November 13, 1891 at Greenwood, MS.

The firm ceased operations in 1906.  The firm also reportedly made fire arms and had a branch in Texarkana.

Somebody thought that the strike governor fly was not suppose to spin freely... looks like they used some string to try and control it...   The are supposed to be able to spin.. removed that string. 

Had to replace the strike count lever, as you can see the shovel head had been broken off at some time.   See how its fitting way too deep in the count wheel cog.  

This is what happens to clocks when they are not cleaned for decades.... Green Goopy Mess.

Gilbert put some quality into these works... all metal screws, rivets, and springs were heat blued. 

Now that's better.....   After a trip though the ultrasonic, bushings replaced, and pivots polished. 

"running like a top" ready to be fitted back into the case and back into service.

Seth Thomas Larkin Model #722 Mantle Clock

This was my first clock that I totally restored.  I gave it to my parents for Christmas and still is probably the one I'm most proud of.  

Its a pre 1900 Seth Thomas mantle clock with a hip movement.  I believe the Larkin Soap Company gave these away if you bought so much of their product or you could save up Larkin Bond Coupons
 proving how much you could order items from their catalogue.  This clock was listed as #722 in their catalogue. 

I don't have any before photos of the clock case.  Back then I wasn't thinking about documenting my progress.   I know that I won it off ebay for $89.00 and add another 19 for shipping.   The finish was cloudy and dull, the incising could not been seen and the ornaments were very dull.   The dial was stained badly.

The works were actually in fairly good shape, some dried up oil and a few bad pivot holes that needed bushing.

 Styrofoam makes a great tool for keeping gears in place and in order during disassembly.   

Below is the finished product.  I added a side by side comparison of a like condition works so you could see the difference.   

Replaced the leather in the striker

Below is the finished clock.   I replaced the dial paper with a coated one, polished the brass bezel and ornaments.  Sprayed the dial with some brass shellac to keep it from tarnishing. Polished the case, highlighted the incising,  and cleaned up the ornaments.   Ready for another 100 plus years. 

Here is a comparison of what it started out like when I first got it....

Here is an old timey photo of this same model in the background on the wall with a clock topper

They must have used Larkin Soap... :)   

Also found it in the 1896 catalog which includes the stamped brass dial option.

ASAHI REGULATOR

I won this clock on ebay a few years ago.  Its a Asahi Regulator, made in Japan around the turn of the century.  Has a trade mark of the raising sun shaped in the form of a triangle.   Says its a 10 ADJ works.  Not sure what that means, but it does have a raised verge that looks like you could adjust the depth if you wanted to.  I didn't have a Japanese clock in my collection so I thought it would be worth the challenge. 

Here is a shot of the ebay ad photo.   Only gave a total of $39 including shipping.   The door was in pieces, no glass for the upper bezel, no pendulum according to the listing (found it after taking off the face)  added bonus... found a pack of sewing needles with Japanese writing on the wrapper.  The clock is 22 inches long and has a 7 1/2 inch dial.  

 The manufacturer's paper backboard is in excellent condition, no high quality fonts used here. 

 I'm guessing back in old Japan they didn't install bushing.. just peened the pivot holes tight if they got loose? 

Not sure what this is, unless its some type of quality inspection sticker 

 Here it is after a good bath, oil, springs greased... on my wall regulating the pendulum.

 I really like the glass in the lower door.  All original.

Have it hanging on my office wall,  I used some finish restorer as not to lose the alligatoring,  Remarked the minute hashes and touched up the numbers, coated the dial with some clear to keep it from deteriorating any more, fixed the lower door frame, and installed a new glass in the brass bezel.