Becker's March 2016 Update (Segment 2)
In 2016, a retired individual received a special gift – a 2-weight time and strike Gustav Becker wall clock. The clock, purchased six years ago, had been a long-held desire for the owner, who considers Gustav Becker clocks to be the holy grail of clocks.
However, the clock came with some issues, and a replacement movement was needed due to missing parts and broken pieces. The owner found a suitable replacement, but encountered some challenges during the installation process.
The center arbor is thicker on the replacement movement, but the star wheel/snail is an exact fit. This discrepancy caused an obstruction when the fan from the old movement was installed on the replacement one. To overcome this, the owner managed to transfer the gathering pallet from the old movement to the replacement, which now works correctly.
Gustav Becker clocks are not difficult to identify and date. Serial numbers on the clock movements can be used to determine their production years. The original movement of the clock was from 1902, while the replacement was from 1918.
Despite a lack of specific information detailing the differences between Gustav Becker clock movements from 1902 and 1918, there are some key differences that can be inferred based on specialized knowledge of Gustav Becker clocks and general horological history.
For instance, movements from 1918 likely feature subtle improvements in gear train efficiency, escapement design, and materials compared to 1902 models. These improvements were a result of refinements in escapements and suspension systems for better accuracy and durability.
Moreover, the 1918 movement might show use of different alloys or simplified parts due to the impact of World War I on metal availability. Manufacturing processes were also becoming more standardized, resulting in parts that may be more uniform with tighter tolerances.
The replacement movement also had thinner plates and a slightly smaller escape wheel compared to the original. These differences, while subtle, are indicative of the evolution in clockmaking techniques and materials over the years.
The owner's wife, always on the lookout for another Gustav Becker clock, found the perfect wall clock as a gift. The search was conducted on eBay, reflecting the popularity of these clocks among collectors. In fact, clock collectors often have at least one Gustav Becker clock in their collection.
In summary, the differences between the 1902 and 1918 Gustav Becker clock movements primarily lie in technological refinement, materials influenced by WWI, and identification marks rather than fundamental changes in clock movement style or function. For exact and visually comparative details, consulting a Gustav Becker clock specialist or reference manuals from clock collector societies is recommended.
Vintage clocks, especially those from Gustav Becker, can be part of a unique home-and-garden lifestyle, making them sought-after items among collectors. The replacement movement for the owner's 1902 Gustav Becker clock, sourced in 2016, was a 1918 model, showcasing advancements in technology and materials compared to its older counterpart.
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