Verge Birdcage clock overhaul and restoration
Short Description
This is an early Birdcage clock with verge escapement and brass dial The verge escapement was used before the development of the pendulumMain Features
- Birdcage clock movement
- Verge escapement
- Worn crown wheel
- Worn pinion
- Rope and weight driven
Birdcage clock with verge escapement and brass dial from the 16th Century
The castle wheel on this verge Birdcage clock is very unusual in that it has only 14 teeth. Generally verge catle wheels have 15, 16 or 17 teeth. This possibly signifies it is a very early clock.
The castle wheel and pinion were extremely worn and the clock was unable to run. Both a castle wheel and pinion needed to be cut and the old wheel and pinion kept with the clock for integrity.
Cutting a new castle wheel and pinion will enable the clock to run for many more years. The original wheel can always be eaisly refitted at some time in the future if it is desired. It is incredible to think that something designed and built around 400 years ago can still keep reasonably accurate time.
