Troubleshooting Forestville Mantel Clock Repair - It's No Pleasure When Complications Arise! (Part 1)

Troubleshooting Forestville Mantel Clock Repair - It's No Pleasure When Complications Arise! (Part 1)

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The Forestville Clock Company, originally known as the Blackforest Clock Company of Toronto, has a rich history that spans over seven decades. Founded by Leopold and Sara Stossel in 1928, the company underwent a name change in 1941, amidst anti-German sentiment during wartime, to the Forestville Clock Company [1].

During the war years, the company imported clock movements from Germany, England, the United States, and France, as German supply chains were cut off [1]. Post-war, they resumed German imports, notably from Friedrich Mauthe [1][5]. The company produced reliable and quality time-and-strike mantel clocks through the mid-20th century but ceased operations around the late 1970s due to market shifts toward quartz movements [1].

One of the challenges that come with owning and maintaining these antique mechanical clocks is the wear and tear on the pivots. Pivot wear is a common issue with such clocks, causing increased friction and wear on bushings, which can affect timekeeping accuracy and potentially cause damage [5].

Recently, a Forestville clock needed servicing, particularly replacing at least three bushings. During the repair process, one of the pivots sheared off, a common challenge in pivot repair. The sheared pivot, small at perhaps 0.5mm, required precise repair that involved the use of a high-speed bit to drill into the shaft, anchoring the pivot wire, and securing it using high-strength Permatex Thread Locker Red [2].

After the repair, a bushing was installed in the front plate, and the clock was centred using a centring bit. The results of the repairs will be presented on November 25th.

To maintain the longevity and accurate timekeeping of these historic timepieces, it's essential to follow some maintenance tips. Routine cleaning and lubrication of the movement, avoiding over-winding the mainspring, and allowing professional servicing every few years, even if the clock runs fine, are all crucial steps [5]. Additionally, preserving the clock’s patina and original condition rather than over-restoring is recommended.

Most Blackforest and Forestville mantel clocks have paper labels tacked inside the back door, making it easier to identify their origin [3]. In this case, the mantel clock in question was imported from Germany in the 1960s, suggesting that it might have a movement made by Mauthe [4].

In summary, Forestville clocks reflect historical changes in movement sourcing during WWII and afterward. Their pivot repair challenges are typical of antique mechanical clocks where wear from long use requires expert inspection, cleaning, and precise repair to ensure longevity and accurate timekeeping [1][5]. Regular maintenance and cautious handling are essential for preserving these historic timepieces.

References:

[1] Blackforest Clock Company. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackforest_Clock_Company

[2] Pivot repair. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.clockrepair.net/pivot-repair

[3] Forestville Clock Company. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forestville_Clock_Company

[4] Mantel clock. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantel_clock

[5] Clock repair and maintenance. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.clockrepair.net/clock-repair-and-maintenance

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