Old pocket Watch help needed

[Paul78]

Could anyone help me with this pocket watch, there is no identification on the movement whatsoever, after removing all of the screws from the train bridge i still cant remove the bridge. It looks like the centre wheel or the canon pinion is stopping it. Ive attached some pics, can anyone see what it is i may need to do to remove it? ive tried prizing off the pinion but it doesn't budge at all.

 

[Geo]

Unless I'm mistaken, it's not a canon pinion as you know.  The pinion is a taper fit onto the pin that just protrudes through.  The minute hand would have been fitted to that part of the pin.

Support the movement on a steel or brass block with a hole in it to allow the other end of the pin to fall into.  Now very carefully using a small hammer and brass punch, give the end of the pin that protrudes through the pinion a sharp tap.  The pin should now free from the pinion.

[Geo]

Have a read of this thread, it explains things a bit better.

 

[Paul78]

Thanks geo, I wasn't sure wether to try that in case something broke! 

Ive just ordered a staking set, I think I'll wait for that to arrive and use that to punch it out. 

I'all update the outcome. 

Thanks again. 

[Geo]

Paul, I would recommend a brass rather than steel punch.  It shouldn't take much to get it to move, just a light tap.

[Paul78]

I will certainly take your advice 

thanks

[Paul78]

well that worked a treat, one solid tap with the punch and it came straight off! first time ive had one like this. Watch repairing is a neverending process! Thanks Geo

[Geo]

You're welcome Paul.  If you need to stiffen the movement of the hands during setting, bend the pin ever so slightly.  This allows it to have more grip on the inside of the tube.  This gives the same effect as squeezing a conventional canon pinion.

When you come to refitting the minute hand, support the bottom of the pin on a block, place the hand on the taper end of the pin then use an open ended punch and hammer to lightly tap it back in place.  If you have a staking set it makes life easier.

[Paul78]

Thanks for the advice, I've just got myself a staking set so should make light work!