Trystan Casey
The Franklin Clock Company, also known as Globe Clock Company, is an antique clock manufacturer. Their clocks are electro-mechanical and weight-driven, with some featuring an extra synchronous motor. The antique Franklin electric clock is a nine-tube tall case clock with a clear front cover, black casing, and Arabic numerals. The movement of the clock is powered by an AC power supply with a built-in lithium backup in case of power outages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Franklin Wall Clocks |
| Model | FA-14-2A |
| Type | Electric |
| Dial | Traditional Arabic |
| Hands and numerals | Black, Large |
| Power | Standard AC current |
| Backup | Built-in lithium |
| Accuracy | 1-2 Minutes per Year |
| Size | H 14 x W. 14" x D. 21/4" |
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What You'll Learn
History of the Franklin Clock Company
The Franklin Clock Company was founded by inventor Steven Pavky in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in around 1935. Pavky initially set up his business under the name "The Globe Clock Company" in a small two-story building on Hartville Street in the Kensington area of the city.
Pavky's clocks were unusual and mechanically obscure, earning a reputation for quirkiness. As a result, the local department store Strawbridge and Clothier (S&C) became his sole sales outlet.
Around 1935, Pavky developed an electrified version of his original movement and began using the name "The Franklin Clock Company". The Globe Clock Company mantle clock is the subject of patent number #1,557,189. A weight-driven, electrically rewound version seems to have evolved into the Franklin Clock Company.
There is speculation that a major clock manufacturer, possibly Seth Thomas, approached Pavky to buy his patent for the single-train chime and strike mechanism. However, there appear to be no references to The Globe or The Franklin Clock Company of Philadelphia, or to Pavky himself, in mainstream horological reference books.
Today, antique Franklin clocks are sought-after items, with some clock enthusiasts restoring and repairing these timepieces to their former glory.
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Repair and restoration
The Franklin Clock Company manufactured electric clocks, including a nine-tube tall case with an electro-mechanical movement. Antique Franklin electric clocks can be repaired and restored.
When repairing an antique electric clock, it is important to first assess the damage. Check if the clock is windable, and if it is, try to wind it a little and see if it starts ticking. If the clock is fully wound but does not tick, try to manually start the balance wheel. It is also important to check for any physical damage, such as cracks or water damage, which may have caused internal issues.
If the clock is not working, it may have popped gears or a broken motor. In the case of a broken motor, it is possible to replace it with a quartz movement, although this should only be done as a last resort. If the clock has popped gears, these can be popped back into place, and the clock should run again.
For antique clocks with leather coverings, the leather can be glued down and cleaned, and then finished with neutral shoe polish. If the dial cover is cloudy, it can be cleaned with a fine metal polish.
It is always recommended to replace the old cord of an electric clock, as old cords can become brittle and dangerous. It is also important to periodically wind the clock to keep the lubricated parts working.
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The Globe Clock Company
A user on the same forum thread mentions owning a 9-tube tall case clock with the branding "Franklin Clock Co. Phila, PA" on the back of the movement. This clock is electro-mechanical. Another user responds, stating that they own a 5-tube tall case clock marked with the movement as the Globe Clock Company, which they learned was the previous name of Pavky's business.
The Franklin Clock Company appears to be a successor to the Globe Clock Company, continuing to produce clocks with similar features. For example, the Franklin FA-14-2A Electric Clock is powered by standard AC current and features a built-in lithium backup that can run the clock for hours in the event of a power outage. This clock was perfect for schools, offices, and commercial settings.
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$15.92
Electric rewinding
An antique Franklin electric clock is a weight-driven, electrically rewound clock. Antique clocks, in general, may require rewinding of their electric motors to ensure they continue to function accurately and safely.
To rewind an electric clock motor, one must first disassemble it carefully. This process can be challenging, as demonstrated by the difficulty in disassembling the Sessions electric clock motor, which required specialised tools and techniques to remove certain components. Once the motor is disassembled, the old wiring and coils can be removed, and new ones installed.
When rewinding the motor, it is essential to consider the voltage requirements. Low voltage operation is generally recommended for safety and to ensure the motor runs smoothly. For example, a motor might require a voltage of about 180mV across a 9-turn winding, resulting in a current of over 2 Amps. To achieve a 12V operation, one would need 600 turns, with the overall performance being identical to the previous example.
After the rewinding process, the clock should be tested to ensure it functions correctly and safely. Any original parts removed during the process can be kept with the clock to maintain its authenticity, even if they are no longer functional.
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Design and features
The Franklin Clock Company manufactured electric clocks with nine tubes and an electro-mechanical movement. These clocks were weight-driven, with three weights and two wind holes. The clocks were also equipped with an additional synchronous motor that drove the time train. The original electric motor would wind the endless chain, providing power to the time train and ensuring the clock continued to run during power outages.
The Franklin FA-14-2A Electric Clock is an example of a Franklin electric clock. It features a traditional Arabic dial with minute markers, large black hands and numerals for distant viewing. The clock is powered by a standard AC current and does not require batteries. It also has a built-in lithium backup that will keep the clock running for hours in the event of a power outage. This clock is designed to be mounted on a wall and has a clear front cover. With an accuracy of 1-2 minutes per year, this clock is perfect for schools, offices and commercial settings where a larger dial is needed for larger rooms.
Antique Franklin electric clocks are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The Globe Clock Company, which later became the Franklin Clock Company, produced weight-driven, electrically rewound clocks. These clocks are considered antiques today and are often restored and repaired by clock enthusiasts.
The design and features of antique Franklin electric clocks vary depending on the specific model and its production date. However, these clocks are known for their unique electro-mechanical movement and weight-driven mechanism. They often feature a traditional dial with minute markers and a clear front cover, making them a desirable addition to any clock collection.
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Frequently asked questions
Antique Franklin electric clocks are weight-driven clocks with an electro-mechanical movement. They are known for their accuracy, with a deviation of only 1-2 minutes per year.
Franklin electric clocks have a clear front cover and an all-black poly casing. They feature a traditional Arabic dial with minute markers and large hands and numerals for easy viewing from a distance.
Franklin electric clocks are powered by a standard AC power supply and do not require batteries. They also have a built-in lithium backup that ensures the clock continues to run for hours even during a power outage.
