Disassembling an Ansonia Crystal Regulator Clock: First Installment
In the third part of our series, we delve into the restoration process of the 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator, with a particular focus on refreshing the brass case.
The 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator, a valuable piece of early 20th-century American clockmaking, was discovered by the writer's wife during antique shopping in late summer 2018. This mantel clock, known as the Prism in the 1905 Ansonia Crystal Regulator catalogue, is characterised by its beveled glass panels and visible brass movements.
The case of the 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator is a work of art in itself, made of polished or gilt-bronze or brass. It features beveled glass panels on all sides, allowing full visibility of the clock’s inner workings. The case has four large screws on the bottom and four on top, and three screws at the 1-2, 10-11, and 6 o'clock positions. However, due to its small pivots and close tolerances, disassembling the case can be a challenging task.
The restoration process of the 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator includes servicing the movement, as detailed in Part II of our series, and refreshing the brass case. The mainsprings in the 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator are in barrels and secured to the movement plates with four screws. There are three ways to service the mainsprings: using a temporary winding arbor, pulling the spring out by hand, or using a spring winder.
Special tools are required to separate the arbour from the great wheel during servicing. The strike side of the 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator is rack and snail, with no helper springs and only one combination lever between the plates.
The glass panels in the case of the 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator are beveled and can be expensive to replace, with shipping and turnaround time adding to the cost. The gong assembly is secured to the case with one large nut, which is accessible from underneath the base.
The Brocot escapement in the 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator is delicate, and breaking the stone pallets, made of garnet, is a significant issue. The 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator is currently being worked on, and we will continue to share updates in upcoming parts of our series.
Stay tuned for Part IV, where we will explore the final stages of restoring the 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator.
In the process of restoring the valuable 1910 Ansonia Crystal Regulator, one might consider complementing the antique piece with modern technology such as smart-home-devices or gadgets, transforming it into a vintage clock with contemporary functionality. Additionally, the restoration journey, which includes refreshing the brass case, could inspire a renewed appreciation for the fine craftsmanship in vintage clocks and other gadgets, highlighting the blend of old-world technology and modern invention.
