Internet Horology Club 185
Main spring for a Smiths Lantern Clock

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9886029761/m/1433935687

November 04, 2015, 07:54
Jan Selles
Main spring for a Smiths Lantern Clock
Hi all,

This is my first post.

I am having difficulty finding a mainspring for my Smiths lantern clock. The dimensions are
4.10mm wide X 0.25mm thick X approx. 117cm long

Does anyone have one of these to sell or know where I could buy one.

Thanks,


Jan
November 05, 2015, 00:26
David E. Booth, Jr.
For years, I have been buying mainsprings from Merritts Antique Clocks and Clock Parts.

If you call them, they are very helpful and knowledgeable. They may be able to tell you where you can get springs the proper size, if they do not carry them.
November 05, 2015, 17:50
Jan Selles
Thanks, David. I appreciate your help. I have searched their online catalogue and requested their help to source it. Hopefully, they can help.
It does seem to be hard to find.


Jan
November 05, 2015, 22:10
Tim Poovey
Hi Jan,

Welcome to IHC 185!

If you will scroll down to "Watch Repair Questions and Answers" open it up, the third topic from the top "Horological Supply House Directory" started by Scott Cerullo this might be of help.

Good Luck!!
Tim
November 06, 2015, 10:50
Jan Selles
Thanks, Tim.
I have just posted there and will proceed accordingly.


Jan
November 10, 2015, 02:17
Stephen John Ward
Hi Jan. What diameter is the spring?.
Regards, Steve.
November 11, 2015, 10:39
Jan Selles
Hi Steve,

The spring is for an 8 day movement, the barrel diameter is 31 mm.

Thanks,


Jan
November 11, 2015, 14:35
Stephen John Ward
Hi Jan. They are available, and the closest I have found is 4.1 x 0.25 x 1200 x 27mm. I am from the UK and so is the company that sells these. Have a hunt around Canada or the USA first and if all else fails, please feel free to get back to me.
https://www.hswalsh.com/
Kind regards, Steve.
November 11, 2015, 14:38
Stephen John Ward
Sorry, Reference number 2966.
November 12, 2015, 09:03
Jan Selles
Hi Steve,

Thank you for linking the hswalsh site and hunting down the spring for me. I went to the clock mainspring section and could not get the measurements to coincide with those in the measurement boxes for both barrel and loop end types and when 2966 was entered into the search box, nothing came up. Would you show me what to do?
Thank you for your help.


Jan
November 12, 2015, 15:25
Stephen John Ward
Hi Jan. I will give them a call tomorrow as I am in possession of their catalogue which lists this size but it is dated 2010 - 2011. I will keep you posted.
regards, Steve.
November 13, 2015, 09:06
Jan Selles
Thanks, Steve.
This seems to be a tough nut to crack.


Jan
November 16, 2015, 08:36
Stephen John Ward
Hi Jan. I gave them a call this morning and unfortunately they do not sell this size any more. Sorry I can't be of any help to you.
Regards, Steve.
November 18, 2015, 11:39
Jan Selles
Hi Steve,

Thanks for your efforts for me; please no apology.

Best regards,
Jan

Anyone with advice or tips as to how to come close to what is needed?
November 23, 2015, 15:34
Stephen John Ward
Hi Jan, it's me again. Could you send me a few pictures of both parts of the mainspring barrel, the old mainspring and possibly the movement as well?.
steveanddiana@btinternet.com
Kind regards, Steve.
November 29, 2015, 09:52
Jan Selles
Hi Steve,

Sorry for the delay in replying. I will try to get some pictures from my friend who will be doing the repair.
Thank you for your continued interest.

Best regards,

Jan


Jan
December 12, 2015, 08:33
Jan Selles
Hi Steve,

I ordered the spring you suggested from www.obsoletewatchandclockparts.com last night.
Thanks for your all help and advice. Once it is installed and working, I will let you know.

Best regards,

Jan


Jan
January 20, 2016, 15:50
Jan Selles
Finally, received and had the mainspring installed. The clock is running and keeping good time. The movement is much like a large pocket watch. It took a good deal of effort and help to get this done. My thanks to all who showed an interest and, especially, to Steve whose persistence eventually uncovered the required mainspring.


Jan
January 24, 2016, 10:28
Stephen John Ward
That's excellent news Jan, we got there in the end!.......Steve.