Listing is for one rare and very collectible vintage Brass E49 400 day Anniversary clock, original crank style key,removable glass dome and copy of factory instructions , designed by Siegfried Haller in West Germany around 1977s. The clock was named “Elgin”, and sometimes in 1980s, the clock was nicknamed “German Time Bomb Clock”. The reason of the nickname was that the clock could be self destruction suddenly without notice. However, it would be self destruction,dangerously explosion if mainspring was rewound that passed the capacity or the back of mainspring encasing box was removed before letting down the mainspring completely unwound. Regardless human error,or improper used that caused injury, the clock was still removed from the market. Since being discontinued, E49 skeleton movement clock became even more popular,well sought after by collectors.
1974, this progressive thinking designed started by Siegfried Haller Sr,surprised the specialists with the creation of electronically controlled anniversary clock; the revolutionary rotating pendulum was for the first time equipped with a rigid axle, magnetic pendulum and shock protection,that had enormous technical advantages over a conventional rotating pendulum,in comparison. The magnet-system drives the pendulum swinging motion either leftward or rightward,and the pendulum pen never touched the inside wall of pendulum tube/cup. That induction controlled system that makes Elgin Anniversary clock leveling not be required. However, it is recommended the clock should placed on somewhat flat level,away from vibration, from direct sun light,away from directly or above radiator,televisions or windows , to ensure proper friction regulation ,
and provide the accuracy as well as improving bearing life.
The features of the clock are amazing ornate complexity, but yet simple to identify what makes the mechanical movement, through the removable clear glass dome regardless which side I look into. The clock was made up from yellow gold tone shiny brass metal and removable glass dome.
The clock is gorgeous from the brass spire finials on the brass bonnet between the mainspring encasing box to the step up platform base,and in between them, just behind the windmill liked clock face, about 3 and 1/2 inches below the middle rectangular 4x2 inches platform self, supported by
the beautiful four 4” long brass metal columns ,their top ends were screwed through the brass metal,at each corner into brass metal capitols,sitting on each brass metal plate corner. The bottom end of each column,sitting on top step platform.
I love to watch through the clear glass dome, and listen to the tickling sound of the pendulum folk,that is attached to the top pendulum block,locating right behind the metal strip, where “6” o’clock Roman numeral number imprint is, whenever each beautiful globe ball with capitol on top, sitting on each curved outward metal strip brass pendulum arm, having a complete circular rotation, either toward the left direction or toward the right direction. That tells me the mainspring, locating inside the L4xW21/2xD11/2 inches metal brass encasing box, was unwound for a length of a precious second just passed;
I was glad to spend this priceless second peacefully with the amazing internal setup mechanism, nothing,just the gear train on individual pivot, being held by the pivot cup on each end, also where the clock could be oil changed through. On back end of 6 pivots , held by 6 pivot cups,locating on the back brass metal
plate of mainspring encasing box,where also dilvertone hexagonal metal winding shaft locates,where the provided crank style original key can be used to rewind the mainspring, brass screw in each corner,circular open hole locates just below each screw, near left and right rim,just 2” from top and 2” from bottom, and in the center of the bottom rim, there are open rectangular open holes,
and I don’t know what the individual opening hole is used for; last but not least, the carved in trademark “S. HALLER MADE IN GERMANY ONE (1) JOWEL UNJUSTIFIABLE “ is at the nearest to the right rectangular open hole.
(1) Jewel “ ,basically, either synthetic or authentic sapphire /ruby jewel bearing in a metal spindle turns in a jewel-lined pivot hole. One Jewel bearing is used in precision instruments where low friction, long life, and dimensional accuracy are important in this mechanical torsion movement 400 day anniversary clock. The mainspring brass encasing box must be opened in order to identify the type of Jewel inserted in movement pallet face. “This one (1) jewel bearings in this 400 day mechanical clock, where their low and predictable friction improves clock accuracy as well as improving bearing life. “ And “Unadjusted” meaning the clock would not be ready to use until a few operation steps are performed.
Through the clear glass dome, every delicate part in the clock, except jewel of cause, is exposed.
From the front, also through the removable glass dome, where I can enjoy every gear train and its pivot cups pushes through the 3/4 of 2” diameter windmill liked shape metal strips , where their gear trains interact with the mainspring working gear trains, then the pivot gear train, that interacts with the second/minute and hour hand pin ,and the pendulum torsion spring folk at the top block, just behind the 6 o’clock Roman numeral number, the pivot cups pushes through the 1/2 of 1” windmill liked shape metal strips, all are exposed behind the 3” open circle,inside the circular 4.5” brass metal clock face, that has 12 black Roman numeral numbers,representing every hour passes ,and 12 black french fleur de lis ,representing every 30 minutes,passing the hour. Behind 12 o’clock Roman numeral number imprinted brass metal,there is a rectangular plaque with “Elgin” imprint, and “WEST GERMANY “ right below the 6 o’clock Roman numeral imprint,indicating that the clock was crafted prior to Berlin Wall Fall.
Because of stupidity,I once experienced this clock type self destruction,while trying to see what was in the rectangular box, I unscrewed and pulled out the back brass metal plate before the mainspring was completely let down/unwound,the clock exploded, the pivot,the gear trains flew out dangerously,thankfully, no ones got hurt.
So please, thick clock was nicknamed as “German Time Bomb Timepiece “ for a reason. Please be careful.
The clock will be shipped without fully wound. It will be packed safely .Unpacking instruction is taped outside the box,underneath the clock photo. Please review it before handling the box.
Inside the box,
1. brass base with the clock and attached pendulum
2. the glass dome, must be very carefully unwrapped and lifted in the upright position as the normal on the mantel/shelf/desktop,place it on safe flat surface,carefully,as it is very hard to find a replacement of glass dome. In modern world, ,only plastic dome is manufactured for vintage anniversary clock glass.
3. The original clock key in crank style
4. A Copy of instructions manual
After the clock is cleared of packing materials,underneath or between/ underneath pendulum arms/ pendulum weight balls, the pendulum should begin in starting motion to either leftward or rightward,assuming there a bit of wound mainspring left. Otherwise , just with one finger lightly push to one of the pendulum ball to either left or right to get clock in starting motion.
Esch rewinding turn must be just about 1/4 of rotation according to the arrow,locating above the silver tone metal hexagonal winding shaft, then pull out the crank key completely ,repeat up to 35 turns per fully wound or until the winding shaft is tight to turn,indicating that the clock has been fully wound mainspring.
DO NOT FORCE THE KEY UNTIL THE WINDING SHAFT JUMPS BACK. STOPPING IMMEDIATELY AS SOON AS FEELING A BIT TIGHTNESS TO TURN.
This winding step should be done on the special date per why the clock was given,such as
Date of the sentimental momento, the most meaningful reminder to the owner, birthday,graduation,engagement,wedding or anniversary,this clock should be the faithful recorder of many happy hours over the year, whenever the date of rewinding the clock, it is also the time to celebrate the most important day. As the manufacturer stated
To correct time, just put pointing figure under the second/minute hand,then rotate it in counterclockwise , ensuring that hour hand is not touched, as it will advance itself whenever the second/minute hand complete the 60 minute counterclockwise.
Regulating the speed, let the clock run for 48 hours before adjusting the clock speed for the first time. Afterwards, after each speed adjustment, and the clock still needs more adjustment, I wait 24 hours before adjusting again. I do 1/8 of speed adjustment disc,to Negative sign when this clock runs fast currently , to positive sign when this clock run slow currently. Please follow the instructions in the factory manual provided. Also the link above is an easy demonstration to follow. Practice makes perfect. Before you know it, you will master your precious gem.
This gem is the Beauty that can be heirloom for many generations to come. But necessary steps need to follow. I am not specialized in work works. But, I need to be knowledgeable about to support my potential customers . Thank to anniversary Skelton clock blogger and the below URLs , I am able to ensure that my buyer will receive a working clock for wedding,anniversary,birthday gifts. The clock will not leave my position if there is a bit of doubt that the clock can be damaged or not working. I do qualify assistance,and everything possible to get the clock successfully to my buyers. Regardless shipping is included in a listing price, I don’t put a limit on Insurance, packing materials or time spends on packing.
Always use USPS priority shipping. Unfortunately,possible damage when the carrier staffs ignore the delicate item warning,the clock is always insured to the maximum price of purchase.
https://billsclockworks.com/opinstructions/400Day.htmhttps://www.clockworks.com/clock-repair/clock-repair-help-1/anniversary-clock-operating-instructions.htmlhttp://www.greenfieldclockshop.com/clocks/haller.htmlhttps://youtu.be/-Quwt-PthZoAny questions, I am here ,alway to reply.
Dimensions:
The clock with dome on is over
111/2” high , 73/4” diameter .
Condition: Over 4 decades,
Beside oiling marks around a few pivot cups, the clock looks very well kept,excellent used vintage.
It was serviced by me (cleaned,polished and oiled) 10/6/2021)
It has been regulated/adjusted ,keep pretty accurate time.
I always look at a clock again when it is sold. I will ship the clock in 3 business day, so that I have time,ensuring that everything is working.
If on my way to ship,and the back get pushed or dropped, I return home, ensuring that the clock is still in expecting condition while it is in my position.
regardless shipping score is penalized at my expense,
This listing is vintage retro conditions, which can be inevitable subjective judgmental accepted reactions to normal wear and age.
Please review all zoomed pictures that may show vintage,aging or original imperfections that may not meet your expectations.
Feel free to contact me with any questions regarding to interested listing item(s).
Returns accepted of items shipped back in original condition and packaging that it was received.
As each return, the shipping cost will mostly put further burden on financial responsibility on me ,with exception,the return shipping paid by the buyer,
Please review photos and ensure that descriptive words are correct, or something that I may miss to disclose.
Message me for additional photos or clarification that may help decision making.
I am asking to help with avoiding the return unless it is absolute inevitable . I love everything that I sell. I have to downgrade my life style due to current medical issues circumstances. Adding burden financially will defeat the purpose of what I am trying to do. I am very grateful for your time and potential purchase in advance.
Your feedback for your satisfaction always put a smile on my face with gratitude. If there is a problem, please let me know and I will correct it to your satisfaction.
USPS priority shipping will be used, full value insurance included
ALASKAN and HAWAIIAN shoppers please contact me before purchase for accurate postal quotes
About Me:
My parents,brothers and sisters escaped from Cambodia ,seeked rescue in Refugee camp in Thailand near Cambodian border 1979, while Khmer rouge resistances still fought with Vietnamese-Cambodian coalitions. On November, 1980, my whole family was brought to the United States by Lutheran Church. We had nothing started out. I helped with making ends meet during my high school
years, by cleaning the houses of elderly church members.I was given used stuffs to bring home.
In college, I worked for Antiques college mall. That was when I fall in love with antiques or Vintages at very early age. Even after making good income as software developer, I still do treasure hunting at Goldwills,salvation army,yard sale,auction ,antique shops etc
After serious car accident 2011,I was asked to go on long term disability. I refused. 2016. I was let go. My income was decreased dramatically and monthly medical bills pile up.Thankfully, Etsy came to the rescue for selling my collection. Every sale I make, I hope my customers are excited as I am.I love estate sale. Your purchase helps my treasure hunting addiction. I don’t really make money on ceramic potteries, glasswares as shipping cost and packing materials are high. It just a labor of love. Thank you for browsing.Bunthy