Timer-Equipped Session Device Sits Idle After 5 Years: What's the Next Move?
After five years of dormancy, a 1920s Sessions mantel clock required a much-needed overhaul to bring it back to its former glory. Purchased in a rough condition, the clock's case was worn, and it wasn't functioning properly.
Common issues found during maintenance service for a Sessions mantel clock typically involve aging, wear, and lubrication problems that can affect its timekeeping and mechanical functions. Key problems usually include a weak or set mainspring, accumulation of dirt and old lubricant, worn or damaged pivots and bushings, pendulum and escapement issues, and mechanical alterations or damage.
During the servicing process, the movement was found to be dirtier than expected, with blackish oil around some pivots, indicating a need for a good cleaning. Further inspection revealed more blackened oil up the train than anticipated, which could potentially lead to accelerated wear of the pivots and bushings if not addressed.
The second wheels, front and back, required attention during this servicing. The clock, although not the best timekeeper in the world, was typical of spring-driven American clocks from the 1920s.
Fortunately, the Sessions tambour style clock had been previously serviced by someone knowledgeable and arrived in excellent condition. The pivot on the strike side back-plate of the clock was oval-shaped and required a new bushing. This marked the first time the owner used a Bergeon bushing machine, an important milestone in their clock repair journey.
The movement of the Sessions Raven clock had been disassembled, oiled, tested, and the case carefully reconditioned before acquisition. The new bushing for the strike side wheel was a perfect fit after broaching with an inside diameter of 1.60mm.
Reassembling the strike side levers with helper springs under tension was a challenge during the repair process. However, all the replacement bushings from 2016 remain in very good condition. The click and rivet design on Sessions clocks were a special problem, but both clicks on this clock were in good condition after five years.
The clock's case was cleaned with diluted Murphy's Soap, and the movement was cleaned and shined after 5 1/2 years. The Sessions time and strike mantel clock, purchased locally in 2016, is now running like a charm after the repair.
The owner, who hadn't worked on an American clock for months, was delighted to have the opportunity to work on this Sessions clock, marking a return to their passion for clock repair. The clock's recent home renovations may have contributed to the suspension spring becoming badly kinked, but it is now back to its optimal performance. With the clock now restored, it's ticking away, keeping time once again in its new home.
- After the repair, the vintage Sessions mantel clock, initially purchased in poor condition, now elegantly complements the home-and-garden lifestyle of its new owner.
- The homeowner, having discovered a fascination for clock repair, successfully utilized modern technology such as the Bergeon bushing machine during the process of restoring the Sessions clock.
- As the Sessions mantel clock, with its mechanical gadgets, now ticks away in its new home, it merges the charm of vintage clocks with the convenience of contemporary home-and-garden living.
