In addition to being used simply for telling the time, the alarm could have been an aid to the cook who might have wanted to ensure that a certain dish wasn't left in the oven or on the stovetop too long! Though it is not believed to be a piece that was in the house during Kennedy's time there, it is likely that some type of clock, possibly one of the same model, was located in the kitchen. This particular clock was made between 19, almost the same timespan during which the future President John F. Older early 20th century Big Ben clocks are now often sought after by collectors of antique time pieces. Clocks using the Big Ben name are still manufactured today, although they have undergone many changes over the past 100 years in both style and movement, including electric and digital clocks. The early Big Ben clocks were wind up clocks and had the distinctive peg legs that can be seen on the clock shown here. In just a few years, millions of Big Ben clocks were sold, making it one of the most popular time keeping devices in the country. Beginning production in 1908, the Big Ben model was the first alarm clock to be advertised nationally when an ad appeared in the Septemedition of the Saturday Evening Post. The clock pictured here is a Westclox Big Ben type 1 model alarm clock.
They no longer list this item but they may have a few left - could be worth a phone call.John Fitzgerald Kennedy NHS Museum Collection (JOFI 407) One of the pictures shows an original balance screw replaced with one of the slightly larger metric threaded new balance screws from Timesavers. I've tried making them and had them run OK but getting a uniform cone that is smooth and true down to the point was near impossible, at least for me.īelow are pictures of three common Westclox movements showing that Westclox did in deed make extensive use of screw-in balance "cups" or balance screws. There are some older posts on this board (if they weren't lost in the transfer) where different members have suggested methods they claim to have used successfully to recondition balance screws, or whatever you want to call them, but I've never found any method that was completely satisfactory except replacement. I assume that in this context "refitted" is the same as replaced. It’s almost certain these cups will need to be refitted.Īnd, most certainly the balance staffs will need to be Surface and obscures the wear, which is near the apex of the cup. Under highest magnification because of the inward conical shape. It is very difficult to examine the cups even Worn, they usually wear the cups as well. Beginning production in 1908, the Big Ben model was the first alarm clock to be advertised nationally when an ad appeared in the Septemedition of the Saturday Evening Post. " A frequently neglected repair is the balance pivot/balance cup.
Having said that, it sure sounds like the clock could use a cleaning, however you'd do it.Ĭlick to expand.Yes, the article linked in post # 18 does mention "cups" and rightly laments the related issues that apply to any brand clock. I know that hairsprings aren't supposed to go into the ultrasonic cleaner, but it seems that watch repairmen differ on the topic.
WIND UP BIG BEN ALARM CLOCK FREE
A nice run in the ultrasonic cleaner may free things up, after which you'll want to dunk the movement in alcohol to absorb any water and, after it's thoroughly dry, oil it, especially the mainsprings. The point here is that you can occasionally get away with cleaning the movement while it's assembled, and there are occasions where this is marginally permissible. Have the screams of outrage subsided? Good.
Then immerse the movement in gasoline and start the alarm, which will vibrate the movement. And now for yet another Neanderthal horological procedure from 50 years ago: The standard repair for a gummed up alarm clock was to remove the movement, strip off dial and hands, wind up the alarm train, and set it to go off when the alarm stem is pulled out.
0 kommentar(er)
