The inquiry concerns the purpose of the strike rod lock on a clock mechanism.
Securing a German Box Clock for Transport: A Step-by-Step Guide
Transporting a German box clock, such as the Mauthe model, requires careful handling to ensure the delicate chime rods remain undamaged. Here's a guide to securing the strike rods during transportation.
Firstly, it's essential to immobilize the rods to prevent them from vibrating or moving, which could cause damage or detune them. This can be achieved by gently binding the rods together with soft material like foam, felt, or bubble wrap. Non-adhesive or low-adhesive removable tape or soft ties can also be used to secure the rods without causing any bend or stress.
To further protect the rods, it's advisable to remove and separately pack the pendulum and weights, if applicable, to eliminate movement inside the case. Additionally, the hammers should be immobilized away from the rods to prevent them from striking during transport.
Finally, pack the entire clock in a sturdy box with internal padding to minimize vibration. This approach will prevent the rods from clanging or getting bent and keep the mechanical parts stable during transit.
The Mauthe box clock, which was picked up in a flea market outside Peterborough, Ontario, recently underwent servicing. During the process, a problem was identified with the strike side, demonstrating the importance of fine-tune adjustments that are often necessary in clock repair.
The Mauthe box clock, with its distinctive bim-bam strike, is an example of the clocks produced in the Blackforest region, known for their high-quality craftsmanship. Prices for such clocks vary significantly, with some costing hundreds of dollars and others available for little money.
It's worth noting that the Mauthe box clock's gong or strike rods are screwed into the gong block. Removing the pendulum rod and bob, securing the access door, and securing the strike rods allows for safe removal of the clock from the wall.
The Mauthe box clock was the subject of a Tick-Talk Tuesday discussion, a series addressing reader questions and concerns about clocks, including issues, challenges, and requests for profile. Clock-makers have solutions for securing the rods, one of which is a fork-like device.
While allowing the rods to move during transport can result in them breaking, following these guidelines will secure the strike rods and other moving parts of your German box clock during transportation without risking damage or detuning.
In the world of vintage clocks, the Mauthe box clock is a treasure often found in second-hand markets. After undergoing a repair process, this clock is now equipped with a smart-home device — a fork-like device designed to secure the gong or strike rods, making it compatible with modern technology. With advancements in technology, even gadget-loving enthusiasts can enjoy the charm of vintage clock movements in their smart-home devices.
