Expert: William J Perkins - 2/25/2008

Question
Hi William. I am an avid antique clock collector. I have never had the
opportunity to own an antique grandfather clock. I am going to attend an
auction that has several including an Eli Therry which did not realize Eli
Therry made grandfather clocks. if I by chance am able to win one of these
clocks  I will have to transport it back home in the back of a pick up truck.
The gentleman that fixes all my clocks warned me that if it truly is an old
clock I will first have to remove the hood of the clock and lift out the works
before moving it. He told me that in many old grandfather clocks that the
works are not stationary but are simply laying on top of a wooden structure. I
do not know how to remove the hood of a grandfather clock . Is it possible
for you to describe to me how you remove the hood and how I should lift the
works out of the body of the clock. I would appreciate any help you can give
me. Thanks  Bill

Answer
Right off the bat alarm bells are ringing.  I would be cautious of buying a clock marked Eli Therry.  The mans name was Eli Terry.  Over the years I have seen clocks bearing the name Gustaf Becker a rip off of the Gustav Becker name, could be the same thing.  I too have never heard of the Terry's producing long clocks.  I am aware of their wall regulators and as a matter of fact once owned one.  I made a mistake in selling it and tried for years to get it back.  As far as removing the hood from an old clock, there are quite a number of ways to do that.  I have never seen one so complex that a cursory examination would not disclose how.  If there is something unique about it, I can't imagine a seller unwilling to share such knowledge.  Additionally it is not unlikely that the hood is not removable, in which case you would remove the works through the back.  Very few of the old tall clocks had a front or side removable feature.  Before you remove the movement, be sure to tie off the chains so they do not slip off their cog wheels.  I wish you luck with this venture.  If indeed the clock is genuine, good condition and in my area I would sure give it my best shot to own it.  Regards WJP