Troubleshooting Forestville Mantel Clock - Unpleasant experiences when malfunctions occur! (Part 1)
In the heart of Toronto, Ontario, the Forestville Clock Company, founded by Leopold and Sara Stossel in 1928, has a rich history of clock-making. However, when it comes to the repair of pivots in their clocks, especially those imported from Germany, the challenges are numerous.
The mantel clock in question, imported from Germany in the 1960s, encountered a problem during servicing. A small pivot, perhaps 0.5mm in size, sheared off on the center cannon front plate. To secure the pivot wire, a high-speed bit was used to drill into the shaft, and the wire was anchored using high-strength Permatex Thread Locker Red.
Servicing German movements poses unique challenges. German clocks often have hardened steel pivots that are difficult to file or replace without proper tools. The precision and complexity of German escapements and movements demand high expertise to disassemble and service without damage. Replacement pivots require exact dimensions and materials to ensure smooth operation and avoid wear.
Traditional pivot replacement methods include removing the broken or worn pivot, turning a new pivot on a small lathe to precise diameter, replacing the pivot via methods such as staking or pinning into the wheel arbor, polishing the pivot to a mirror finish to reduce friction, and using a burnishing tool to harden the surface and ensure smooth rotation.
Given the Forestville Clock Company's focus on American-style movements, techniques learned from American horology in the 19th century likely applied. However, the company's mantel clocks and grandfather clocks were imported from Germany, making the repair of these clocks a blend of American and German horological repair traditions.
The repair process on the mantel clock in question will continue with the installation of 3 more bushings on the time side. A bushing was already installed in the front plate after the repair. The hairspring escapement of the clock is well protected by a plastic shroud, ensuring its longevity.
The results of the repair will be presented on November 25th. This article focuses on the Forestville Clock Company of Canada, not the Black Forest region in Germany. For more insights into clock-related questions and concerns, stay tuned for our Tick-Talk Tuesday series.
Despite extensive research, no specific historical documentation on the Forestville Clock Company's approach to pivot repair or servicing German movements was found. However, it is clear that the company's repair techniques, whether American or German, have been instrumental in maintaining the accuracy and reliability of their clocks over the years.
The Forestville Clock Company, with its roots in Toronto, Ontario, boasts a long history of crafting vintage clocks, including mantel clocks. Repairing these clocks, especially those imported from Germany, can be arduous, as demonstrated by a 1960s mantel clock that encountered issues during servicing. The repair process involves securing a small pivot wire using a high-speed bit and Permatex Thread Locker Red.
The challenges in servicing German clock movements are notable, due to the hardened steel pivots and intricate escapements these clocks possess. Replacement pivots must match exact dimensions and material to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear. This repair process necessitates high expertise and can be a blend of American and German horological repair traditions.
Despite the lack of specific historical documentation on the Forestville Clock Company's approach to pivot repair or servicing German movements, their repair techniques have contributed significantly to maintaining the accuracy and reliability of their clocks. The company's focus on American-style movements is evident, yet their mantel clocks and grandfather clocks were imported from Germany, making their repair process a unique blend of horological repair traditions.
After installing 3 more bushings on the time side and protecting the hairspring escapement with a plastic shroud, the results of the repair on the specific mantel clock will be presented on November 25th. For more insights into clock-related questions and concerns, tune in for their Tick-Talk Tuesday series.
The Forestville Clock Company of Canada does not only create vintage clocks but also offers a living link to the history of clock-making. With their focus on maintaining traditional methods while embracing modern technology, they embody the intersection of lifestyle, fashion and beauty, home and garden, relationships, pets, travel, cars, and shopping.
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