Antique Clock

From The American Horologist magazine, May 1946

Antique Clock
By W. H. Samelius

A clock that was made by hand in Mora, Sweden about 150 years ago was recently discovered in an old barn, where it had been £or fifty years or more. Although some parts of the plate were almost rusted through, this interesting timepiece was restored to running condition at the Elgin Watchmakers College. The sheets are made of sheet iron and all bearings or bushings of bronze. The only thread or screw on the entire clock is the nut that holds the bells to the standard.

Instead of the conventional four pillars or spacers, this clock has only three pillars, although the plates are square. The wheels are made of bronze or bell metal. The pinions are of steel and all are hand filed. This clock has a verge or recoil escapement and strikes the hours only on two bells.

These bells were cast from bell metal having very clear and lasting vibrations, although the double strike or two tone bells are not new. These clocks were made and sold at County Fairs in Norway and Sweden. They had the dials and hands attached complete, but the purchaser had to have his own cabinet work made. The steel work or striking parts were all and forged and finished by filing.