Repaired Banjo-Style Clock with Wooden Dial Bezel
The restoration journey of a 180-year-old John Sawin banjo clock began last spring, as the timepiece arrived at the restorer's house, dusty and worn but with good bones and most of its original parts intact. The banjo clock, a testament to the craftsmanship of the past, shares many of the attributes of the original Simon Willard Patented Timepiece.
The restoration work has been an ongoing endeavour for nearly a year, with four new bushings installed, a new dial glass replaced, veneer issues on the two bottom corners of the banjo clock case addressed, and the old brass cable removed and replaced. The old suspension spring in the banjo clock, a crucial component for the pendulum's free movement, has been replaced without buying an entire pendulum assembly.
To replace the suspension spring, a component that acts as the flexible support allowing the pendulum to swing freely, one should obtain a spring that matches the correct length and thickness specified for the clock model. Carefully removing the old spring and installing the new one securely, ensuring it is neither bent nor twisted, is essential to avoid loss of energy and irregular pendulum motion.
The dial of the banjo clock remained untouched during the restoration process, preserving its original charm. The age crack in the wood dial bezel, just above the number eleven, was addressed using a band clamp designed for furniture repair and Gorilla glue, after hot hide glue failed to hold.
The banjo clock project has resulted in a complete and functional timepiece that looks absolutely stunning. The hands, after being rubbed down with steel wool to remove rust, now tick away with precision, while the case, after being thoroughly cleaned, shines with a newfound brilliance.
The banjo clock project, detailed in a previous article, is still not completely finished; there are three more items to address. But with each step, this 180-year-old timepiece is being brought back to life, ready to tell the stories of the past and keep time for many more years to come.
[1] Source: Clock Repair Manual, Experienced Antique Banjo Clock Makers.
In the ongoing restoration journey of the vintage John Sawin banjo clock, the old suspension spring, a vital component for the pendulum's free movement, was replaced, enhancing its home-and-garden charm as a statement piece reflecting a lifestyle embracing both the old and the new. With the aged crack in the wood dial bezel addressed using a special furniture repair tool and Gorilla glue, the banjo clock remains a preserved testament to the artistry of past craftsmen, ready to continue telling stories for future generations.
