WESTERN UNION NAVAL OBSERVATORY OAK WALL CLOCK BY SELF WINDING CLOCK CO. 16” DIA

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WESTERN UNION NAVAL OBSERVATORY OAK WALL CLOCK BY SELF WINDING CLOCK CO. 16” DIA:
$272.67

WESTERN UNION NAVAL OBSERVATORY OAK WALL CLOCK BY SELF WINDING CLOCK CO. 16” DIAL WESTERN UNION NAVAL OBSERVATORY OAK WALL CLOCK BY SELF WINDING CLOCK CO. 16” DIAL

In 1845 the Naval Observatory in Washington DC established a means of showing accurate local time by a visible ball drop method, long before Times Square on New Year’s Eve. In 1883 they developed a way to synchronize time across the country. They did this through Western Union which used their telegraph lines to send signals to train stations, government buildings, schools and other businesses thereby making the railway lines much safer than they ever had been.

I have owned several of these clocks but they have always been in round or square metal cases. This is the first one I have found in a solid oak case which is much better looking than the others. This case was refinished long ago and it is in quite good condition with very little wear. There are a few holes in the top where the original wiring went. Originally, this clock was powered by two 1.5 volt dry cells. Now someone has added a 3 volt adapter so you can simply plug it in. It would be very simple to use dry cells instead if you wish. This power does not actually run the clock but instead it winds a small mainspring every once in a while and it is that spring that keeps the clock going.

This is actually a movement of very good quality and it has managed to retain the original, distinctive lead pendulum. There is a fast-slow adjustment on the pendulum to regulate the time. There is also what appears to be the original two bolts which secure the pendulum during transit.

This would make a very nice clock for that spot where you need a large, easy to see dial and a clock that requires no winding or daily care. The dial is 16 inches in diameter and the case is 21 inches square. The clock is running for a couple hours when the mainspring is wound manually but the power does not automatically wind the spring as it should. Perhaps the adapter is defective.

You can contact me with questions through www.LarsonsClocks.com -- Lindy Larson - 802 722 4203.

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OTHER CLOCK RELATED ITEMS COMING SOON!

Many more interesting clocks and clock parts will be listed shortly. So, keep and eye out for these future listings over the next several weeks.

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Member of NAWCC since 1976.

We do not cannibalize clocks for parts. I simply do not believe in doing that. All the parts listed were found just that way.

SHIPPING: via FedEx: UNITED STATES BUYERS: Allow $30.00 total shipping, handling and insurance anywhere in the continental U.S. This item is sold as is and will be shipped via FedEx. Please include your phone number in case FedEx needs to contact you about the delivery. FOREIGN BUYERS: WE SHIP WORLDWIDE TO SELECT COUNTRIES. It is almost always cheaper to ship through the post office rather than using FedEx. A general guideline: A 6 pound package with $300 insurance through the post office should be about $60–$70 to most countries. Or contact me for an estimate.

On returns: No partial refunds will be given. This is to avoid those situations where some buyers are simply looking for a discount after the purchase. The purchased item must be received by the seller in the same condition as it was sent to the buyer. Returns will only be accepted if the item is significantly different than as described.