Expert: William J Perkins - 4/2/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a GF clock my parents bought in Berlin, Germany back in the early 1960's.  I believe it was made in the 1920's.
Is there a website I can send a picture to so I can try to
identify it?  Also it has worked fine for years and today
the pendulum stopped moving.  It will run for about 45 minutes after I push it and then stop again.  Any reason for
this?  Thanks!
Rich

ANSWER:   I suspect the old fellow is in dire need of a good cleaning and perhaps in need of a little repair.  If you choose to have this service done, you will have a leg up in getting information on your clock.  Your service person should be able to provide you with the information you seek or, at the least, links to your local market place and reference sources.  Regards WJP

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

QUESTION: Thanks!  I did have it cleaned/oiled about 4 years ago.
Funny thing is, last night it started working again... all
by it self.  I guess it wouldn't hurt to clean again.  If you can think of a collector's website or someone who can
identify it through a picture, I'd appreciate it.
Regards, and thanks again!
Rich

Answer
Years ago I passed my reference library on to various organizations and schools.  I simply no longer posses the tools that served me so well during my many years as a practicing horologist.  It has been my experience that most serious horologist's maintain their own sources of reference material.  The next time you have the clock serviced ask that person what he can tell you or find out about your clock.  Quite honestly research was a very enjoyable part of my service.  I suspect the same is true of todays practitioners.  Regards WJP