Telechron "Pharaoh" Clock

[rp2813]

I just picked up one of these for $6 at a local thrift shop. This particular model was manufactured from approximately 1934 to 1942.

The clock is in pretty good shape but I don't know if it runs. The cord has been snipped flush with the case.

Here's the problem: I can't open up the case without removing the knurled adjusting knob for the clock's hands. That knob won't unscrew off of the rod even with using two pairs of pliers. Any suggestions? Is it a reverse thread? I've tried both directions but am starting to do too much damage to the components.

If it just needs a rotor, I've got a spare I can cook up on a light bulb if I can ever get the case removed.

Here's a picture. It's from the web, not of my actual clock. Measures appx 8" x 7"

 

[rp2813]

Side view

 

[mixfinder]

Pharaoh

Does the name denote the pyramid like shape?  The colors of the wood and metals give it a rich tone.  Do you have a favorite thrifting store or circuit you follow?

 

[rp2813]

Kelly, I didn't know it was a "Pharaoh" model until I found the site linked below. I would think that in 1934, $9.95 was an awful lot of money to be spending on a decorative clock, or anything else for that matter.

This particular item was found at the Happy Dragon thrift shop, a small place run mainly by little old lady volunteers, in Los Gatos, CA. Very old-school with a lot of masking tape price tags. It benefits a children's home in the same town. The clock was in a glass case and I felt it was priced right in more ways than one (i.e. without masking tape) even if it didn't work. Usually it's nothing more than the rotor that needs replacing.

Of course, that's if I can crack the thing open to get at the existing rotor.

http://www.silverdollarproductions.net/repair-om-370.html

 

[rp2813]

I found a picture of the back of the clock. I can tell my clock had a cloth cord like the one shown.

I've also discovered that my clock is pre-WWII because it has the stencil decals on each side, which disappeared on the post-war models. Also, the brass dial bezel is different on post-war models and the whole clock is smaller than the pre-war ones.

In this picture you can barely tell that the hole for the time adjusting rod is too small for the adjusting knob to fit through.

 

[mixfinder]

Masked

Its always a good sign when a store is not over clean and over managed.  That's were some of the best bargains are found.  The clock is the epitome of understated elegance.  My friend Patrick in Portland has a huge collection of clocks.  If there's an earthquake he'll get to watch time fly!

 

[rp2813]

Success!

Using advice I found on a Telechron forum, I held a soldering iron to the adjusting knob and it twirled right off like it was loose.

After temporarily hooking up a new cord to the mechanism, the clock was dead. I changed out the rotor with a spare I had, and the clock started right up. I've had it running all day to make sure there aren't issues with anything else.

The original rotor is an earlier type. There's a method to remove the old dried up lubricant and replace it with new, which should get the rotor working again for many years. I may try that so the clock can keep its original rotor, which is appropriate for the period.

Old English Scratch Cover did a great job on the case. If this thread hasn't dropped off by the time I have everything back together again, I'll post a picture of the finished product.

 

[polkanut]

Congrats Ralph, another classic saved from the trash by someone who values quality, and style.

 

[sudsmaster]

Ralph:

 

Suggestion:

 

Get our a drill and enlarge that hole in the back so that you can take it apart next time without having to melt the solder.

 

You could always fashion a little dust cover out of plastic to slip in between the cover and the mechanism over the adjusting knob rod, like a split grommet.

 

Or use a real grommet.

 

To keep the evil dust out.

 

 

[mixfinder]

Teensy Pieces

I am really glad the clock is back on time.  Wouldn't you guess someone cut the cord and used it as ans interesting piece for decor purposes.  It is truly lovely.  Okay, you can level with me, how many clocks do you have?

 

[rp2813]

Rich, it's not actually soldered onto the stem. It just needed heat applied in order to coax it off clockwise. It unscrews off the stem fine now.

I performed surgery on the original rotor and got it up and working in no time flat. It's nice and quiet. Cleaned the glass, polished the bezel and the clock has been re-assembled with a new rubber sheathed cord. Picture attached. The flash captures every flaw, but the bezel and glass look much better to the naked eye under more normal lighting conditions. I don't know why the glass looks smeared. It's crystal clear after a good Windexing on both sides. Regardless, I think this clock is worth every bit of $6.

Kelly, I actually only have a few clocks. I do like the old Telechrons, though. I have one in the kitchen and one over the bench in my shop. I used to have a couple more but they disappeared at some point from my parents' house.

This Pharaoh is really a handsome and masculine looking clock. I'm trying to think of a place for it where I can enjoy and appreciate it.

[this post was last edited: 5/28/2011-22:12]

 

[polkanut]

Ralph,

Could you find a spot for it in your living room, den, or bedroom?  Or would it clash design-wise with your decor?

 

[sudsmaster]

It would probably look good on a big rosewood desk.

 

 

 

[rp2813]

I do think this was meant to be a desk clock, or to be placed on a occasional table of some kind. It needs to be viewed at eye level or below.

Our living room is done up in sort of a modern version of a men's salon, and would be the most appropriate place for the clock, but I'm trying my best to avoid clutter and keep the room in a "staged" look as we don't use it much and want to appeal to potential buyers when the time comes (see picture).

The clock is currently in the guest bedroom, atop the '50 Admiral TV which is a very small set, and the clock looks huge there, but it will do for now.

 

[rp2813]

OK, it's in the living room now. Atop the entertainment unit in the far right corner of the picture. Visibility is good, and it blends well with the decor.

 

[sudsmaster]

Cool.

I assume the clock is not too burdensome to unplug and move to a safe location in the event of a house sale.

;-)

PS-That living room looks great. I have in mind to replace my 70's era plaid and oak sofa with a nice natural brown sofa similar to that in your pic. I almost did it this winter when the one I was waiting for popped up at Costco, but I was between jobs and didn't want to risk the $700 or so it would cost. I already have a suitable all leather recliner. The downside is that I have noticed that the cat has left little claw punctures where she used to jump up on the arm to get into the master's lap, which she thinks she owns. I have since retrained her to access the lap area via the foot rest region. But I wonder what would happen to a leather sofa.

 

[rp2813]

Almost every piece of furniture (and the fake plants) in that picture came from the Home Consignment Center. They sell new items as well, such as from model homes, so none of what you see was bought used. We got big discounts on everything.

The cat has always known that all furniture is off limits. We've had no problems with her at all. She would occasionally sink her claws into the previous MCM style sectional we had at the other house which had fabric upholstery, but she never used it as a scratching post.

The clock debuted to a group we had over for a bbq yesterday. It looks like it belongs in the living room. Now I just hope it behaves and keeps running quietly for the indefinite future.

 

[mixfinder]

Ask Me Why

I picture people and their habitat as if I were watching a TV show.  I hadn't placed you in such a great vintage piece of architecture.  The rich colors and dark wood are restful and do make it feel like a salon.  I guess from now on it will be like Bewitched with the new Darren when your name comes to mind.

 

[rp2813]

LOL! It's more like Endora cast a spell on the orginal Darrin and he landed here!

If we had our way, we'd be in a MCM home again. We moved out of one to be where we are now, which is the house my parents bought when I was 5. It seemed like a good plan to buy out my sister for her half of the house, make some improvements and turn it around. Once we got in here, the market bombed so now we're stuck for a while. The house isn't really our style and we look forward to another low slung MCM house at some point. In the meantime, we're acting all grown up in this place.