Expert: William J Perkins - 2/26/2008

Question
QUESTION: I inherited the clock from my aunt who lives 600 miles away and need to transport it home. What precautions need I take? If I remove the pendulum and weights, can I just lay it on it's back for the 10 ride home?
Thanks.

ANSWER: I would never move a clock in the horizontal position.  However, if you must, I suggest your remove the movement and the chime rod assembly from the case as well.  Pack these components separately and securely.  Before removing the movement tie off the chains so that they do not slip off their ratchet wheels.  If you do not know how to remove these components from the case, get right back to me, I will respond back as quickly as I can.  Best of luck, I hope this gets to you before you actually make the move.  Regards WJP

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your quick response.By "movement" , do you mean the pendulum?

Answer
NO! NO!  The movement is the motor, the thing with all the gears and stuff between the two brass plates.  If you move the clock without securing the movement to the case (or removing it entirely) you are inviting sure disaster.  This is particularly true if you are moving the clock in a horizontal position.  I sure hope you guys are successful with this contemplated move.  Regards WJP