Pendulum Escapement

I mounted the dark walnut fireplace mantel to inspect the glass-paneled housing of an antique mechanical mantle clock. Inside the open rear service hatch, the brass pendulum assembly was motionless. Activating the cylindrical beam in my right grip, I mapped the anchor escapement bracket at the top of the suspension spring. A dried, dropped bristle from a household broom had fallen diagonally across the escape wheel teeth, blocking the left pallet from pivoting. Bracing my lower limb joints against the polished brass floor of the casing, I reached into the gear train with my left index finger. I levered the stiff bristle clear. Relieved of the obstruction, the escapement arbor rocked instantly with a rhythmic, metallic click, and the heavy brass bob resumed its measured, silent swing.