VDO electric car clock; Junghans "mysterious" and mercury barometer

Vintage car electric VDO clock. This German clock has a relatively low quality movement, running with 6V current. Indeed it is mounted on the cockpit of a '60s Porsche sports car, so it was necessary to repair it, despite its characteristics.

VDO clock - dial

 

A close-up of the balance wheel and winding actuator. Every 40 seconds a spring is wound to keep the balance wheel running through the wheel train. The escapement is of the pinwheel type, like in the vast majority of clocks made in the '60s and '70s, before quartz era.

VDO clock - balance wheel

 

 

on the front plate the steel hollow screw that holds a balance staff pivot can be clearly seen. Another economical solution.
VDO clock - front plate

The back plate is made of insulating material, because it holds parts with current flow, like coil and motor.

VDO clock - back plate

 

Junghans "mysterious" clock Particular kind of clocks have often to be repaired, like this interesting Junghans made in the 30s, based on 19th Century French mystery clocks. At first look, the clock based on the statue moves without "power supply". Indeed, it contains a heavy small pendulum, which is enough to keep the whole structure moving. Jewels are employed to reduce power losses on suspension. For a real clockmaker this should not be defined a "mysterious" clock!
Junghans 'Mysterious'

High quality mercury barometer, made in Belfast, 1868.
Click on thumbnails to view larger pictures.
The cistern containing mercury was partially broken, so a consistent spillage happened. After repairing it, new triple-distilled mercury was used to refill the cistern. It was signed by Joseph Cappo, inside.
Mercury is poisonous but keeping barometers inside houses is not dangerous if they are not of the open cistern type, where mercury is constantly in contact with air. In this case, it's better to keep the barometer in a normally ventilated room, where doors or window are opened many times a day.
To move mercury barometers, they must be kept inclined by 45° and open cisterns must be closed with a suitable plug.

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