Smith Electric Wired Mantle Clock Art Deco 1930s - help removing back plate
 

Hi all

I wonder if anyone can help.

I recently took possession of this lovely art deco clock which is mains powered. I rewired the connector and plug but alas it does not work. So I wanted to get inside the clock to check the inner workings.

I've removed the four screws that secure the back plate (as you can see from the second photo) but it will not come off. It seems to be tightly secured still to the rest of the clock. I've run a blade around the edge and although the bottom half is giving, the top section refuses to move. I am scared of forcing it.

Can anyone help with some advice on how to get it off?

Many thanks

K

Re: Smith Electric Wired Mantle Clock Art Deco 1930s - help removing back plate
 

My best guess is the Bakelite has swelled ever so slightly due to moisture in the air, and what was a clearance fit is now not, but please wait for a second opinion from someone with more of a clue before proceeding.

Does the starter spin freely?

Re: Smith Electric Wired Mantle Clock Art Deco 1930s - help removing back plate
 

Putting a meter on ohms range across the input pins would give an instant indication as to whether the movement is faulty.

Re: Smith Electric Wired Mantle Clock Art Deco 1930s - help removing back plate
 

Does the plastic part need to come off first? There looks to be a knurled nut at the top of the plastic part. It reminds me very much of the securing nut on the back of my mum and dads electric clock which would have been fifties or sixties.

Re: Smith Electric Wired Mantle Clock Art Deco 1930s - help removing back plate
 

I believe the knurled knob is the starter. See "Type 1 Movement"
http://www.electric-clocks.co.uk/SMITHS/sm-mvmnts.htm