140P4521Q0013 Amendment 2 Great Clock_0002.pdf

Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historical Site, Hyde Park, NY Frank Futral, Curator of Decorative Arts

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

James Moss, Examiner Page 1 Written: 10/25/2007

Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

Summary of Condition

Of the

Great Clock

Made by

Andries Van Schilfgaarde of Gouda Holland

At the

Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Site

Hyde Park, NY

Figure 1: View of Clock “in situ”. (Photo courtesy of NPS FDR Historic Site).

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

James Moss, Examiner Page 2

Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

Preface to Sections I-a through I-e

The condition of the mechanical clock mechanism made by Andries Van

Schilfgaarde of Gouda Holland was surveyed using a standard survey form designed by the author. It has been used at several historic sites. If the results of this survey are reasonably compatible to the other surveys, then this survey will be compared to the other surveys of similar clocks with the hope that a broader based understanding of its condition will be realized. The previous scoring and the database mixes that will be used for the comparison are not perfect but they are far better that what has been available in the past.

Section I-a begins with a discussion summarizing the present condition of the clock mechanism including its environment, movement condition, past maintenance philosophy, as well as some observations regarding the carcass and dial condition..

Following this discussion, a series of general recommendations are presented for the short term Conservation of this object and a set of long term conservation objectives are suggested.

Section I-b addresses the survey’s methodology including comments on its limitations, rational for scoring, and a discussion of the rational for the questions that were used. In addition, a discussion is presented regarding the safeguards that were included to protect

(as much as is possible) against examiner bias.

Section I-c consists of the actual survey responses to queries about the eight sub-sections of your clock. Each sub-section’s score will be compared to the “perfect score” for that sub-section. At the end of the survey section, a summary of each sub-section score will be listed and an overall scoring will be calculated.

Finally, in Section I-d, comparisons will be made using the scores from the surveys of four other tall clocks versus the Shilsgaarde clock.

Section I-e rounds out the survey by providing photo documentation and additional comments about specific high interest areas.

From the Author:

The author would like to thank Judy Ferris, Frank Futral,. Tara McGill and other staff members for their assistance with this project.

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

Section I-a

Summary of Present Condition:

Location:

Located in the first floor hallway opposite the front door and directly across from the heating vent, stands a Dutch great clock made by Andries Van Shilsgaarde of Gouda. It contains a time and strike movement with a two tune musical section that appears to be activated once per hour.

Environment:

The clock resides in a relatively hostile environment: although the temperature is relatively constant, there is a wide fluctuation in humidity as well as a high particulate level. In this particular instance, the environment is complicated by the addition of a higher than normal fiber content as a result of using rugs in a high traffic area coupled with the HVAC vent intermittently blowing a strong air stream directly towards the clock and a high level of air currents that are generated each time the front door is opened to admit site patrons. There has been good progress protecting the clock and other artifacts in the area from the damaging effects of UV exposure. The fire sprinkler is located immediately over the clock casing: good for the house but would cause serious damage to the clock should the sprinkler fail or activate. The clock case is not presently mounted securely to the wall. Cleaning of case and other wooden artifacts is being done with cloths and/or cotton gloves (cotton gloves and cloths can catch on decorative protrusions and damage them: cleaning should be done with a fine bristle brush).

Mechanical condition:

(See Section III for photographic Documentation of the conditions described) Although the clock mechanism was repaired in the year 2000, the mechanical condition of clock movement is poor. The entire movement is covered with particulate; there is past damage by a repair person(s) which includes absolutely no polishing of the escapement pallets thus presenting a surface very much like a file to the engaging escape wheel teeth. This treatment is causing great wear to the escape wheel teeth, loss of power to the pendulum, and ultimately stoppages.

There is inappropriate silver soldering of the 1st intermediate wheel of the motion work AND failure to trim the pins that were inserted into the 1st intermediate wheel of the motion work thus causing the front plate to be seriously scored by the pin ends, significantly increasing “drag” in the motion work gearing, and

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719 reducing the available power to the Time train. A loss of power to the Time train translates into a decreased ability of the clock to function.

Most of the arbor end shakes were reasonable (some were tight), some plate posts were missing their ends where the tapered pins are used to contain certain levers and gears. The gathering pallet arbor is also missing its tip thus preventing the gathering pallet being secured to its arbor. Presently the gathering pallet is epoxied to the gathering pallet arbor (an improper and unsafe repair practice).

A harsh chemical cleaner such as ammoniated clock cleaning solution was used to clean the clock. Exposure of hardened brass to ammonia will cause the brass to crack: it is called Stress Corrosion Cracking. Clocks contain many hardened brass components. Many in the Conservation world including the Smithsonian

Center for Research of Materials and Education (SCRME) have decried the use of ammoniated cleaning solutions to clean brass objects. Experiments by the author have proven that ammoniated clock cleaning solutions can produce SCC in clock components.

Upon initial visual inspection, the lubrication (for the most part) was in good condition. Unfortunately under magnification, many of the bearings had metal dust particles floating in the lubricant (a sure indication of bearing wear). There is a lot of pivot/bearing wear even though some of the bearings were recently bushed. In general, the depthing of the gears is good and tooth wear is less than expected!

Some of the levers are missing and there have been some creative substitutions such as the use of a re-formed coat hanger. Many of the components are victims of excessive soldering by repair persons.

Almost all of the music barrel pin tips are seriously worn (most of the wear is-off center) and their corresponding hammer lever tips are worn (some of them very unequally). A couple of the music hammers were placed out of sequence in their mounting block.

It appears that all of the clock weights are far too heavy than needed to perform their functions.

(Please see the picture gallery in Section 1-f for photographic documentation of problems.)

Case Condition Based upon a cursory examination, the carcase joins are weak, various decorative items are missing, and the finish is desiccated and scratched. The case is not secured to the building wall.

Dial Condition The dial is in poor but typical condition: it has been abused by past repair and past housekeeping cleaning techniques. The dial consists of a brass back plate

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719 and a series of brass decorative appliqués such as the main dial chapter ring, the seconds’ ring, the corner spandrels, the calendar ring, the moon dial, and the music shutoff and choice rings. The chapter rings as well as some of the other appliqués were originally silvered but the silvering has been lost due to various cleaning methods and by handling: there are copious fingerprints on the various brass surfaces.

(Please see the picture gallery in Section 1-f for photographic documentation of problems.)

The background paint on the moon dial is losing its adherence to the substrate.

This loss is typical of a painted brass surface and is a result of a miss-match between the coefficients of expansion/contraction of the two materials: the paint cannot keep up with the brass and is literally being torn off the surface.

[Mitigation can consist of maintaining a very stable temperature and RH].

Past repairs have compromised two of the dial posts by drilling and tapping for a modern screw size rather than using the original post tips with their tapered pinholes.

Past maintenance When this clock was transferred into the Roosevelt household at Hyde Park, the practice of conserving objects had not even been considered: only necessary repairs to keep the clock running. Restoration was not being done on new items or items that were not very old. For the most part, today’s museums and other institutions are beginning to subscribe to the philosophy of the conservation and preservation of functional objects like clocks and cars. This means that they are starting with objects that have already been abused by the past caretakers: this is the case with the Van Schilfgaarde clock: some of the original components are missing or damaged. Record keeping was minimal in the past thus usually it means that repair documentation is scarce or non-existant: fortunately in this case some recent maintenance records are available for this clock.

The laissez faire approach to maintenance of this clock by the family is in evidence: the clock mechanism was maintained over the years on an “as needed basis”. An example of this treatment approach appears in the verbal documentation regarding the replacement of the brass weight cable with a stainless steel one: the documentation could very well be true as there are two brass cables and one stainless cable still extant in the clock movement. All of the cables should have been replaced for the safety of the mechanicals as well as that of the carcase.

As of this survey, the clock showed some severe bearing wear since the last maintenance of 7 years ago. By happy coincidence, within two years of this maintenance, the clock stopped running and was left as a non-functioning object for the last five years otherwise there would have been one or more major catastrophic failure(s). There were several instances where the most recent

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719 repairs were seriously below acceptable levels of quality workmanship and were not performed from a conservation viewpoint.

Recommendations For the Conservation of this Clock

Immediate Recommendations Continue to exhibit this clock as a non-functioning object until a decision has been reached regarding its future operational status. Recording the sounds of a ticking and striking clock and playing an end-less CD to produce a level of ambiance would be an acceptable substitution for the

“real thing” while at the same time preventing damage to the clock and allowing sufficient time to develop a comprehensive conservation plan.

Short Term Recommendations The clock should not be “run” to prevent further damage to the clock mechanism.

Weights: Wind the weights up and secure the cables with a “flat” clamp made from a material that will not cause long term harm to the cables such that the cables will be prevented from unraveling from their winding barrels, then remove the weights from the cables. The weights could be placed in the storage area and properly labeled or stored within the clock case at the bottom. This approach will eliminate the ability of someone to put the clock running.

Pendulum: Remove the pendulum and label it, then place it in the storage area secured to a flat board to protect it from damage by handling. At the same time, the pendulum crutch should be secured in position on the clock movement to prevent operation of the clock by unauthorized persons.

Case: Because tall clocks tend to be top heavy, their cases should be secured to the wall (many clocks already have holes in the case backboards that were used specifically for this purpose): do not use string or wire loops. By utilizing the existing holes in the backboard , the back of the case can be screwed directly into a wall stud or wall anchor. If possible, the securement should be placed higher on the backboard rather than lower. Any space between the wall and the backboard where the securement passes through should be filled with a suitable spacer such as a wooden block to prevent buckling the backboard. Using a spacer also allows the clock to stand vertically. Also, the waist and bonnet doors should be locked, if possible.

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

Movement: Secure the movement to the case in the same manner as found as it is a substantial and a safe method albeit not original to the clock.

Handling of any clock should be done when wearing nitrile or latex gloves. Cotton gloves are fibrous and will wick perspiration directly onto the surface of the object especially if they are re-used over and over. In addition, cotton gloves have the potential of catching on an object’s surface and decorative projections with the possibility of serious damage to the object. Yes, all gloves will transfer any deposits on their outer glove surface from one location to another but nitrile gloves will eliminate the transfer of perspiration, which is very harmful to almost all metals and some finishes.

Long Term Recommendations Addressing the following items would help towards reducing long-term deterioration to the clock while it is being displayed or in storage:

Changing the status of this object to “non-functional”

Reduction of the overall room particulate level

Stabilization of the area RH levels

Training handlers of the clock by a Horological Conservation

Professional

Development of a Horological Conservation Philosophy and

Treatment Plans

Engaging a trained Horological Conservator to perform all future treatments

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

Section I-b

The Survey: an Introductory View

There are eight sections to the survey:

a. Philosophy of conservation

b. The Environment

c. The Movement Condition

d. The pendulum Condition

e. The Dial Condition

f. The Case Condition

g. The Tablet Condition

h. The Label Condition

For every clock surveyed, each piece of data was entered into a spreadsheet from the survey form. Using the spreadsheet, each sub-section was scored and the sub-sections were combined to provide a total artifact score. In addition, the worst case and best case scores were created so that a comparison could be made either to the clock, itself, or to entire collection or the database of surveyed clocks. Using the spreadsheet provided, various sorts can be made to determine the order of conservation and specific areas of conservation for the collection. Other more detailed queries can be made with reasonable confidence but there is a limit to the reliability of the results. Much like a Van Gogh, the closer you get, the blurrier it becomes! I suspect that one level below the summary level would be the limit……. At least at this point.

Limitations and safeguards:

Each section of the questionnaire has its own scoring system although some of the sections were scored in a similar manner. All of the scoring is subjective: it could vary from day to day and hour to hour depending upon the examiners mood, state of mind, amount of rest, level of experience, personal philosophies, and other human factors. The scoring is set up so that if another equally qualified examiner examined the collection, the results should be relatively the same. The examiner tried to base the scores of the surveyed clock(s) on comparison of similar clocks outside of this collection, or in combination with similar clocks within this or other collection(s). The examiner has been examining the mechanical condition of clocks for over 33 years. If a condition was noticed that was not included in the original questionnaire, it was added. In as much as was possible, it was included in the questionnaire of the clocks already examined and added to the remaining questionnaires for the clocks that were waiting examination.

The rationale for the scoring methods used for each section is as follows:

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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I. The Present Philosophy of Conservation

This section was designed to understand, in a very primitive way, how the

Conservation of the Collection is presently being undertaken.

If the object is functional, then the overall scoring of this specific object is doubled to indicate that this object will need a more concentrated

Conservation Program than an object that is in storage or displayed as a non-functioning object. If the object is operated “part-time”, then the overall scoring is reduced by the percentage of non-operating time. If the object is non-functional or in storage, then its overall scoring is not influenced. This process is done in an attempt to properly place the object in the program of Preventative Conservation.

The remaining questions try to address how the object is to be conserved:

as a “snap shot” or as “original”.

II. The Environment

This section was designed to help clarify, in a general sense, the type of environment to which the object is subjected. Because clocks are composite objects, standard recommendations for temperature and humidity of specific materials will need to be modified so that they assume a compromise position. Metals like low relative humidity whereas organic materials like a higher level. Both materials enjoy a stable temperature range for different reasons: metals prefer a stable range to limit the possibility of corrosion due to micro-surface condensation:

woods and organic materials enjoy a stable temperature range to reduce the effects of expansion and contraction of the materials as well as the development of molds. For the purposes of this survey, a temperature range between 55 to 64 F and an RH range of 55 to 64% would be acceptable for clocks (although the RH is high for metals!). Under ideal circumstances, it would also be preferable that the actual temperature and

RH delta be smaller than is allowed in this survey.

With regard to the section titled “Yearly Change in Temperature”: as the effect of a change in temperature from a reference quiescent point upon a material within the artifact structure tends to be relatively equal, the differential in scoring between ranges is also equal. To my knowledge the metal Zinc is the only exception to this statement: its expansion/contraction is not consistent.

In addition to the above criteria, air currents, particulates, location, foot traffic, lighting, and particulate generators were also considered.

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

Air currents are the conveyors for particulate and for temperature changes.

Thus, an environment that has low air currents is a more stable place for an object to exist. As the velocity of air increases past and around an object, the scoring increases in an “almost” exponential manner to try to reflect the potential effect of that air current. The assumption here is that higher velocities of air will cause a substantive increase in convection currents within a clock case and form a route for greater particulate intrusion.

As a general rule of thumb, almost 25% of airborne particulates are very abrasive. This abrasive particulate can be carried by air convection into the interior of the object and onto the mechanism surfaces. There, they will not only coat the active surfaces with abrasive particles but also infiltrate the lubrication and the bearing walls of the mechanism and, as a result, will cause wear of the bearings and their respective pivots. Sites located near farms or industrial quarries can expect infiltration of a higher percentage of abrasive particulate

Open windows and doors as well as HVAC inlets and outlets are the usual sources of air currents as well as a portal for particulates: visitors and staff also create air disturbances so the rate of travel as well as the volume of foot traffic is an important consideration. Rugs, if used by the visitors or staff, are a major “local” source of abrasive particulate.

Infiltration of UV light through windows, doors, and local lighting can be very harmful to various materials and coatings. Thus, because of the subtlety and the severity of the damage from UV exposure, there is a large differential in the scores between having UV protection and not having it.

Clock collections that are located in or near farming communities can be exposed to air-borne ammonium nitrate or other nitrogen bearing compounds from fertilizers. Landscape maintenance can also contribute to the exposure of nitrates. This exposure could, over a long period of time, cause Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) of some of the stressed brass components of clocks. Air Quality should be checked from time to time for these compounds.

III. The Movement Condition

This section was designed so that the effects of previous maintenance, past and present preventative conservation, and the environment could be cataloged. In addition, some of the more intimate information concealed within and on the movement components and only visible with the

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719 movement removed from its casing was recorded such as: the manufacturers serial numbers, repair notes, and other distinctive markings.

The evaluation process starts out from a generalized position and works toward very specific information about the condition of the clock mechanism.

Initially the period since the last maintenance is determined and then the past maintenance schedule is investigated. Frequent maintenance is one of the major keys to the successful Conservation of a functional object, the scoring is based upon an exponential differential in scoring: the longer the period between maintenance procedures, the higher the score exponentially. The highest scores should call attention to the objects that have been neglected the longest (or inhabit an unfriendly environment).

Also, this section attempts to determine, albeit subjectively, the amount of historical information (mechanical and written) that had been lost since the object was made. By knowing this information, one should be able to develop a sense of the “Philosophy of Conservation” that was in place during this objects lifetime and allow one to modify the current

Philosophy if needed.

Examining the mechanism in such detail also allowed examination of the mechanism for damage due to the use of ammoniated cleaning solutions.

Ammoniated cleaning solutions have been the primary cleaning solutions that have been used in the horological world since 1895. Only during the last twenty years has there been any warning to the horological trade regarding the harmful effects that ammonia can have on stressed brass.

These warnings were buried in the horological literature, not well received by the horological profession, and as a result were effectively ignored. In

1998, I wrote and had published in the U.S. and the U.K., a short paper on the harmful effects of ammoniated cleaning solutions on the brass in clocks: it also was not received enthusiastically! Because 95% of all clock movement components are made of brass, the elimination of ammoniated cleaning solutions is imperative to the preservation of our horological heritage. Damage from Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) is already evident worldwide: there are signs that the potential for SCC damage is extant in this clock. All conservation organizations, worldwide, have insisted that conservators avoid the use of ammoniated cleaning solutions.

Once the historical maintenance has been determined and any existing maintenance records examined, the movement is examined under magnification to determine the actual existing mechanical condition.

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Discrepancies between the historical and the actual are noted for future reference.

Missing and damaged components were documented. Also detailed was past maintenance information such as over-lubrication, the set-up of the escapement, the attention to details, short cuts taken, bearing and pivot conditions, and the particulate level within the clock movement. These tidbits of information are important cues that help one to understand the history of the clock and its level of maintenance or the environment it has had to endure.

Delving deeper, each bearing and its associated pivot (arbor) were examined for wear, lubrication condition, clearances, and past maintenance approaches. The depthing between each gear and its associated wheel and pinion was examined for proper center distance as well as for tooth wear. The metals of each component were examined for cracking and other damage that could affect the integrity of the object should a failure occur. All of the components were examined for subtle damage or inconsistencies and/or mishandling and the results documented.

The scoring in this section was difficult: it is really subjective and sometimes the score reflected the frustration the examiner was having with the level of the previous workperson’s work. The line of differentiation between the scoring of two similar components or two similar areas is not distinctively clear but the indicative should be. Ultimately the scoring will give a clear indication of the present mechanical condition of the mechanism and that scoring, relative to other members of the collection, should be repeatable regardless of who does the survey as long as they are sufficiently experienced. This paragraph could apply to every section in this survey!

IV. The Pendulum Condition This section was designed to examine, in detail, one of the most abused components of a clock: the pendulum. It is one of the most handled of components and at the same time it is easily damaged, lost, miss placed, or replaced. It can be substituted relatively easily by another pendulum and does not need to be “of the period” as long as its “period of swing” matches that of the clock. Many times there is no marking(s) to assure that the pendulum actually belongs with a particular clock. Visual examination

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719 can help confirm originality, pinpoint potential problems with matching, and identify mechanical failures and poor repairs.

Scoring, again, was very subjective but should be repeatable. A sliding scale was provided to assist with a comparison between like components within the collection.

V. The Dial Condition This section was designed to help understand, in a general sense, the condition of the dials in the collection as well as the condition of each clock dial in relationship to the others. Clock dials are one of the most noticeable components of this type of artifact. Not only are we drawn to them for their unique beauty in conjunction with the design of the case but also we are required to view them when we look to “see the time”. As a result of their predominance, which is both a blessing and a curse, there is a tendency for over-attention and the likelihood for unorthodox interventions.

Almost all dials are composite objects and each material will have its own distinct needs, sensitivities, and modes of failure. This section attempts to catalog the condition of these very variable materials and rank them according to their conservation need. Scoring is based upon each material and the difficulty performing a conservation treatment upon it: treating the simplest dial can be complicated.

Not only are dials made from many different materials but also they can perform many other functions besides supplying a place to mount the numerals. Functions such as indicating the lunar or calendar day of the month, the month, the tides, the position of the moon, and, on occasion, astronomical positions of the planets. These functions are mechanical in nature and need to be examined just as if they were a separate mechanism apart from the clock dial.

If a condition or a material was noticed that was not included in the original questionnaire, it was added and an appropriate scoring system was devised so that it fit compatibly within the same section type. If it changed the scoring of the entire section, in as much as was possible, it was included in the questionnaire of the clocks already examined and added to the remaining questionnaires for the clocks that were waiting examination.

VI. The Case Condition

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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This section was designed to help understand, in a general sense, the condition of the clock cases in the collection. Clock cases are the most noticed component of this type of artifact. Not only are we drawn to them for their unique beauty in conjunction with the design of the dial but also we glance at them every time we look to “see the time”: they frame the dial. Again, like the dial, and as result of the “predominance” and the materials from which they are made, there is a tendency for over-attention and a high likelihood for unorthodox interventions.

Almost all cases are composite objects and each material will have its own distinct needs and modes of failure. This section attempts to catalog the condition of these variable materials and rank them according to their conservation need. Scoring is based upon each material and the difficulty performing a conservation treatment upon it.

If a condition or a material was noticed that was not included in the original questionnaire, it was added and an appropriate scoring system was devised so that it fit compatibly within the same section type. If it changed the scoring of the entire section, in as much as was possible, it was included in the questionnaire of the clocks already examined and added to the remaining questionnaires for the clocks that were waiting examination.

VII. The Tablet Condition The Clock contained no tablets or reverse glass paintings therefore nothing was scored.

VIII. The Label Condition The Clock contained no paper labels or paper dials therefore nothing was scored.

Methodology

Examination of each clock followed this order:

Step 1

Each clock was photographed prior to disassembly.

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

Step 2

After the movement and dial assembly was removed from the case, they were photographed as an assembly. This photo opportunity was optional.

Step 3

The clock mechanism and dial assembly was examined as a unit. The examination was general in nature and was used as an attempt to capture the overall condition and past methods of treatment.

In addition, it was a convenient time to determine if any components were missing.

Step 4

The clock mechanism and dial assemblies were separated.

Step 5

The clock mechanism was photographed.

Step 6

The mainsprings, if any, were released so that no power was applied to any gear train: this would allow better examination of the actual condition of the pivots and bearings because the arbors could be moved freely without encountering any resistance from the mainsprings.

Step 7

The overall movement was inspected using a 20 to 40X binocular microscope. Salient conditions were photo documented either directly or through the microscope lens. Written notes were taken and conditions were documented and occasionally tape-recorded. In addition, any markings were recorded.

Each bearing was visually examined for lubrication condition, wear, and oil sink suitability. Each pivot was examined for wear by sliding the arbor between the front and rear plates and feeling the level of “chatter” produced. By moving the arbor back and forth in the direction of the normal force applied, the wear in the bearings was observed and a score determined. Sliding the arbor between the plates and noting the amount of clearance between one plate and the pivot shoulder checked the end shake between the plates and the pivot shoulders.

An example of the scoring decision process using bearing wear is shown below:

Score of “1” or “Great”:

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If the clearance between the bearing wall and the pivot was the same in all directions and it was =< 1/20th of the diameter of the pivot AND there was no evidence of metal

“particulate” in the lubrication AND the lubrication was of the proper consistency and not discolored AND there was no signs of lubrication degradation, the score was considered “Great” or a “1”.

Score of “2” or “Average”:

If the clearance between the bearing wall and the pivot was relatively equal in three directions and larger in the fourth direction and that wear was not greater than 1/10th of the pivot diameter AND there was very little evidence of metal “particulate” in the lubrication AND the lubrication was still in operable condition, then the score was rated as “Average” or “2”.

Score of “9” or “Poor”:

directions and larger in the fourth direction and that wear was not greater than 1/4th of the pivot diameter AND there was evidence of some metal “particulate” in the lubrication

AND the lubrication was in operable or decaying condition, then the score was rated as

“Poor” or “9”.

Score of “25” or “Horrible”:

directions and larger in the fourth direction and that wear was greater than 1/4th of the pivot diameter OR the clearance between the bearing wall and the pivot was larger than

1/5th the pivot diameter in three directions OR there was massive evidence of metal

“particulate “ in the lubrication OR the lubrication was dry or desiccated or gummy or inoperable or decaying condition OR any combination of the above OR the previous repair work was judged to be unsatisfactory, then the score was rated as “Horrible” or

“25”.

Scores greater than “25”

These were reserved for bearings and other components that had all of the characteristics mentioned above OR they either were a danger to the well being of the object OR the previous work was so egregious that it greatly offended the examiner.

Using the microscope permitted viewing the condition of the teeth and pinion leaves, the escapement settings and wear, and the metallurgical condition of the components: each was scored. Any missing parts were documented.

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Step 8

The dial was photographed.

Step 9

The dial was examined and any defects or damage was noted. In addition, any markings were recorded. The mounting for the dial was also examined.

Step 10

The pendulum was examined for originality and for damage. Written notes were taken and the conditions were generally photo documented.

Step 11

The case was examined for damage to any components, missing components and general overall conditions were noted and recorded. Salient information was photo documented.

Step 12

As there were neither a tablet nor a label, the movement and dial were assembled and inserted into the case.

Step 13

All examined clock(s) were set to an agreed upon o’clock. No clocks were wound up.

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Section I-c The Actual Survey with Scores and notes

Object: Tall Clock by Andries Shilsgaarde [of] Gouda [Holland]

Location: Roosevelt-Vanderbilt NHS, Hyde Park, NY 12538

Client: United States Dept of the Interior, National Park Service

Accession #: HOFR 537

Conservator: James Moss

Collections Manager: Frank Futral

Clock Collection Survey Date: February 8 and 9, 2007

Movement Type: Dutch Great Clock, 8 d Time & Strike with Musical Quarters (2 Tunes), Silvered Brass Dial with Calendar and Moon Dial

Object #1 of 1

I. Philosophy of Conservation:

To be Operating: N=1 Y=2 (This is a survey movement multiplier)

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If Yes, what % of time is it operational? 1% >>>>>>>>>>100%

Approximately 2 years out of 7 elapsed: ~29%

Is it in storage? N Y

Conserved “As Is”

Conserved “As Original”

II. Environment:

Range of Temperature:

>76 = 5

65-75= 3 5-6 degree change

55-64= 1

45-54= 3

<44 = 5 Rate of the above Fluctuation occurs: Daily(50), Weekly (25), Monthly(5), Yearly(1)

Score= Range of Temperature score times the Rate of fluctuation. __3 ___

Yearly Range of RH:

>76 = 8

65-75= 5 Score=Sum of upper and lower

55-64= 1 Limits.

45-54= 2

21-44= 3

<20 RH=8

Rate of the RH Fluctuation occurs: Daily(50), Weekly (25), Monthly(5), Yearly (1)

Score= Range of RH score times the Rate of fluctuation. _16*50=800_

Air currents are: None=0 Moderate=10 Strong=50

From what source? Front door opening regularly for patrons, HVAC

Vents

Score= _50___

Is the interior of the clock coated with particulates? N=1 Y=2

If Yes, how much of a coating? 1 > > > 5

( 1 being barely noticeable, 5 being deeply covered)

Note:

Score= (N or Y)*(1....10): _2*3=6

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Is the exterior of the clock coated with particulates? N=1 Y=2

If Yes, how much of a coating? 1 > > > 5

( 1 being barely noticeable, 5 being deeply covered)

Note: case cleaned 1-2x weekly by staff: Bonnet never

Score= (N or Y)*(1....10): _2*1=2

Has a particulate sample been taken? Y N

From what area(s) of the clock? Top of Bonnet

Is the clock mounted near HVAC inlets/outlets? N=1 Y=2

HVAC outlet within 15' of clock directly across hallway.

Score= _2 ___

What is the estimated foot traffic in this area per year? 180000 People/Yr.

Scoring= Estimate/Admissions X5=900000_ __

Is there carpeting or other dust generating items in the room? N=1 Y=5

Where and What: WW synthetic rug

Scoring= __5____

Are there windows in the room? Y N Yes= 1x Score No= 0xScore

1. Are they opened for ventilation? N=1 Y=10

2. Do they have UV treatment N=10 Y=1

3. Are they shuttered? N=10 Y=1 Shades

Score= Sum of each questions score= __3 __

Is the area lighting UV reduced? Y=1 N=10

(Low light levels & UV film on windows) Score= __1__

Is this object covered by a fire suppression system? Y=1 N = 50

What type of fire suppression system

Water/wet system

Water/dry system

Water Mist

Foam

Hylon type

CO2

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

When was the last time it was really checked?

Within the year1

Within 2 years 5

Within 5 years 50

Never 100

Subjective Score (Environment) _____1________

III. Mechanism

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

How long ago was the clock last “Cleaned & Relubricated”? Score= # of years: 6.9 Note: clock “cleaned and re-lubricated in spring of 2000.

Does this clock have any regular maintenance schedule? N=25 Y=1

If Yes, what is the cycle? 1-2 years = 1

3-4 years = 2

5-7 years = 9

>7 year = 25

Score= 25

In the examiners judgement, how much historical information has been lost since the clock was made? None = 1

Some = 5

A lot = 10

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

Most = 15

All = 100

Score=_5_

What percentage of the clock would you judge to be original?

None = 100

Some = 50

A lot = 25

Most = 10

All = 1

Score=_10_

How well is the clock movement secured to the casing?

Very well = 1

Average = 2

Poorly = 16

Courting Disaster= 50

Score=_1_

Subjective General Condition

Leave Answer Blank if Question N/A

1 2 3 4 Sub-Totals

General Cond. Great=1 Average=2 Poor=4 Horrible=16

Movement Condition X 2

Front Plate X 2

Rear Plate X 2

Polish of Pivots X 4

Application of Lubrication X 2

Lacquer Cond N/A N/A

End shakes X 2

Depthing of Gears X 2

Escapement Cond X (100) 100

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

Particulate Level X 2

Missing Components X 4

Substituted Components X 4

Workmanship X 16

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

G e n e r a l

S e c t i o n

S u b

T o t a l

Pivot/Bearing Condition

Descriptive Location Great=1 Average=2 Poor=4 Horrible=16

T1R Notes:metal dust in lube, extended bushing far too long, wear barely acceptable

X 4

T2R Notes:metal dust in lube, bushed w/ a

KWM style bushing, bushing worn, pivot too small in diameter

X 4

T3R Notes: Rebushed, way too much wear, lube OK, older style bushing that was never fitted up properly,or perhaps pivot polished without replacing bushing

X 16

T4R Notes: Screw –in bushing (very poor practice), lube OK, clearances too large, lube being pulled from bearing by capillary action

X 16

V1R Notes: pivots polished OK, but not cleaned , pallets not cleaned either AND the polishing of the pallet faces are a horror show

X 50

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

Note: T=Time, S=Strike R=Rear F=Front 1=Winding

Arbor

2=next arbor winding arbo up from r

S1R Notes: metal dust in lube, excessive bearing wear, end shake OK, multiple fills under bearing (original?)

X 20

S2R Notes: lube OK, Oil sink OK, original oil sink, slight bearing wear

X 2

S3R Notes: rebushed, lube OK, clearance

OK, pivot feels scored

X 4

S4R Notes: has been rebushed, lube OK, ES

OK, clearance too much

X 2

S5R Notes:Original bearing, lubne OK, clearance OK, signs of corrosion in bearing from previous lubricants

X 2

C1R/M1R Notes:metal dust in lub, bearing worn

X 4

C2R/M2R Notes:lube OK, slight wear in bearing, bearing original, X 4

C3R/M3R Notes:rebushed 2x, once eccentrically, either the oils sink is too same or the pivot is too short

X 30

C4R/M4R Notes: has been rebushed, lube coagulated, older bushing, pivot poorly polished

X 8

C5R/M5R Notes:

N/A

C6R/M6R Notes

N/A

T1F Notes:brass dust in lube, bearing worn, End Shake OK

X 4

T2F Notes:Lube OK, too loose, no metal chips, no sign of broaching, End Shake poor

X 2

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T3F Notes: Lube OK, no chips, too loose, see signs of smooth broaching, ES OK

X 2

T4F Notes: screw in bushing, metal chips in lube, lube failing, pivot score, ES OK

X 4

V1F Notes: rebushed, loose, lube OK, ES OK

S1F

Notes:brass ships in lube, bearing worn, ES OK

X 4

S2F Notes: lube OK, bearing loose, no chips!

X 1

S3F Notes: bearing worn, cannot see lube because GP epoxied to shaft and not able to remove

X 100

S4F Notes: rebushed but too loose, lube OK, Pivot too short, ES too tight, KWM bushing

X 16

S5F Notes: rebushed probably by maker, lube

OK, clearances OK, ES OK

C1F/M1F Notes metal chips in lube, bearing worn, es ok

X 4

C2F/M2F Notes Lube dry, evidence of metal chips, slight wear, ES OK

X 4

C3F/M3F Notes rebushed, bushing too long, pivot too short, severe wear, possible damaged pivot

X 50

C4F/M4F Notes lube OK, bearing too loose, oil sink too shallow ES OK pivot poorly polished

X 4

C5F/M5F Notes:

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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C6F/M6F Notes

Other Components: Great=1 Average=2 Poor=3 Horrible=4

Suspension Spring Not original, washboardy

T Winding Arbor

X 1

S Winding Arbor Notes:

X 1

Music Winding Arbor X 1

Music Drum Excessive lube, metal particles, bushings have been rebushed, pivot tip not polished, bearing lube coagulated, excessive bearing wear,metal chips in lube, all of the pins are damaged

X 500

T M/S N/A T M/S Lub N/A S M/S N/A S M/S Lub N/A Other M/S N/A Other M/S Lub N/A

T Ratchet Notes: Appears Ok: hard to see

X 2

T Ratchet Wheel Notes: Ratchet Teeth terribly short: they may be worn: need to examine when clock is dismantled

X 4

T Ratchet Spr.

Notes: Appears OK: hard to see

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S Ratchet Notes: OK

X 1

S Ratchet Wheel Notes: Appears OK: hard to see

X 1

S Ratchet Spr.

Notes: OK

X 1

M Ratchet Notes: Ratchet Screw Loose

X 4

M Ratchet Wheel Notes: Appears OK: hard to see

X 1

M Ratchet Spr.

Notes: OK

X 1

Pulleys Notes: All 3 are OK, lube failed, lots of fingerprints

X 4

Cable/Chain Notes: T&S are short, M needs to be a solid core 7x7. All cables should be either nylon or brass (not steel) as steel cable will cut into the winding drum surface over time

X 16

Min Hand

Notes: was “browned”: not painted black to hide repairs

X 2

Hr Hand Notes: was “browned”: not painted black to hide repairs, broken and patched

X 2

Seconds Hand Notes: was “browned”: not painted black to hide repairs

X 2

Motion Work Notes: 1st intermediate wheel and pinion ass’y needs extensive restoration or replication: has been silver soldered. It has been redrilled and re-pinned, the pins are too long, the gear is damaged

X 100

None=1 Average=2 >Average=3 Horrible=4

Lever Wear Notes: several levers have been abused by a previous repair person

X 50

Tooth Wear Notes: better than expected

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Leaf Wear Notes: better than expected

X 2

Pin Wear Notes: Scoring based upon music drum:

all other pins are normal

X 200

Calendar actuating gear

Notes: appears tight on plate post

X 4

N=1 Y=4

PARTS MISSING?

Notes: Misc screws, , a shut-off lever, rack spring

X 50

PARTS DAMAGED?

Notes: 1st intermediate motion work ass’y, Music flit, worn strike lever, excessive wear on hammer tips for bell nest

X 100

CORROSION?

Notes: There is evidence of the use of ammoniated clock cleaning solution

(high tide markings), X 4

RUST?

Notes: None Noted

X 1

SCC

Notes: None Noted

X 1

NEST OF BELLS

Notes: loose

OK=1 Not OK=2

Winding Key X 2

Miscellaneous Great=1 Average=2 Poor=3 Horrible=4

SPECIFIC PART

Pendulum Cock Notes: Has been moved deeper

X 2

Hour pipe Notes: OK

X 2 canon pinion Notes: serious damage

X 16 canoe spring Notes: not original, replacement is too stiff: I am pretty sure that it may be from the wrong material

X 4 rack tail spring Notes: Missing

X 16

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719 rack pin Notes: OK

X 2 rack Notes: appears OK

X 2 hr wheel/snail Notes: OK

X 2 warn lever Notes: damaged by prefious repair persons

X 16

1st intermediate whl/pinion Notes: Serious problems

X 50

Pallets Notes: Massive problems: pallet faces destroyed, surfaces are like miniature files

X 200

Strike Warn Lever Notes: Damaged by previous repair persons

X 50

“M” flit Notes: Damaged by previous repair persons

X 50

“M” hammers Notes: tips severely worn

X 50

Use this page to record any markings, stampings, makers marks that you may find on the movement components. Free hand sketches are a good way to replicate their appearance.

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

Subjective Score (Movement) ___1353______

Accounting for a 28% duty cycle

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

IV Pendulum

Is pendulum original Y=1 N=5 Unk= 2

Survey of Tall Clock (accession # HOFR 537) – February 2007

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Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved James Moss Clockmakers, Inc. Boxborough, MA 01719

If…