Tuesday

Gents' Fig.C271 restoration. [Pt.3]

*

Here is the entire, synchronous motor, turret clock movement sympathetically restored to a high standard. The tiny Gents' synchronous clock movement alongside offered valuable clues to the original finish and makes an interesting comparison in sheer scale!

The large knurled hand wheel at front top controls the clock hand adjustment when the clutch is released.

Note the use of a brass, 'Pulsynetic' time setting dial. Very typical of many Gents' WT movements which the Fig.C271 superseded.

The small knurled wheel on the motor shaft is to start the motor. (Running anticlockwise) Self starting would have set the clock running without any reference to the actual time. Making a clock motor non-self starting ensured somebody soon noticed that the clock had stopped. A worker could then check the system and power supply. Then reset the hands to the correct time before restarting the motor manually. A clock which is running normally but showing the wrong time is worse than useless! 







The modern coil leads and moulded plastic connector block have been removed and the parts painstakingly returned to their original Gents' form of the time. A protective cover protects inquisitive fingers from potentially lethal voltages. Remember that this was an industrial product intended for isolated installations. Usually with very poor to impossible public access. Only authorized workers or trained electricians could reach the clock system.  

The view from above shows the gear train and shafts after cleaning and restoration. The central knurled wheel is the clutch release and lock. While the large knurled wheel at the front provided the necessary purchase to make fine clock hand adjustments. The lead-off work, universal joint is well seen from this angle.




And another view showing how a turret clock movement of this age and type should really be treated. No attempt has been made to pretend it has just left the factory. It had a long and useful life and this is clearly depicted in its present condition and presentation.

Any further deterioration has been suspended and the movement should now continue into further old age without loss of appearance or originality of finish.










The synchronous turret clock movement is ready to run for many more years. Though it is not very domesticated like many other electrical horology components. I am informed that it buzzes rather annoyingly. So running is reserved for visits by fellow clock enthusiasts.

A link to the website where a great many other Gents' Pulsynetic components can be found:

http://pulsynetic.eu











Here is the owner's video showing the Fig.C271turret clock movement being manually started and running:




Click on any image for an enlargement.
*


No comments: