VII
unique torsion clocks - unique because he will
not
make another like them. Libra VI is based on the UK Patent 5110 by W H
Douglas in 1887. (click on the pictures to view in larger size)
The full clock is seen on the left and with the veneered case removed on the right
The movement is seen to be a double spring Seth Thomas with the balance removed and the escapement action provided by the rotating 4 ball pendulum by a lever attached to the bottom. The torsion pendulum is supported by an ornate bracket and is truly free. Regulation is by the normal method of adjusting the balls in and out.
If
this wasn't enough, Lindsay had further surprises.
He
provided the clock you see on the right and left which was identified as a
Schatz and Wintermantel, serial number 1428 R which dates it 1883 (refer
Volume VIII Number II of the torsion times, June 2003). These have
patent markings around the dial and are very much sought after.
Is
somebody playing tricks with us - did Lindsay shrink the clock? Well he
sure did, this is Libra VII, a miniature version of the Schatz Wintermantel, a
very cute fully functioning 400 day clock. What will he think of next?
We
are dumbfounded. These pictures show the relative sizes, the smaller one
being a 61% reduction on the full size, made with a miniature Koma movement.
Allan
and Jack marvel at the miniature whilst Doug at the right is identifying an
unusual Oscar Dold clock of 1952 made by Link, plate no 1314 in the 10th
edition of the Horolovar 400 Day clock Repair guide. This clock is in
superb condition.
To
the left of this group is a clock under restoration by Doug Thompson who came
down from Canberra for the meeting. He brought some examples of the
bases he was attempting to make. The evening was very busy with a data
projector show of some of Mun's clocks taken by Graham Mitchell on a visit to
Singapore last year and a live session on surfing the web for 400 day clocks.