Expert: William J Perkins - 3/24/2008

Question
QUESTION: The clock I have looks like a Seth Thomas Mantle Clock that I have seen online even though it says Jerome & Co. on the inside.  It is 26" tall and has a weight on each side and winds with a key.  The pendulum will not keep swinging.  I start it and it gradually slows then stops.  About an inch or so below and slightly to the right is a pin with a split that has a flat piece of metal that has been broken off.  There are two pieces in the bottom of my clock that I believe came from there.  They are both curved and about 1/2" long and 1/8" wide.  Could this be the reason the pendulum quit swinging?  If so, can this piece be replaced easily?  How would I know which direction to insert it?  Thanks!

ANSWER: The picture shows your pendulum spring is broken.  I will endeavor to explain what you need do.  Using the picture as a guide, the tubes the hands fit on are clearly visible.  To the right of those shafts a post is protruding from the plate.  The post is slotted and there is a piece of spring held in it.  Take that piece out, gather it together with the pieces you found in the case bottom.  Take them to a jeweler that repairs clocks.  From the collected pieces that person should be able to provide you withe the appropriate materials you need to restore the clock to working condition.  Please let me know how this turns out.  Regards WJP

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QUESTION: I sent the broken spring pieces by my brother to a clock repair shop about 100 miles from home and I have attached a picture of what they gave him.  This was not what I was expecting.  Is this the correct part and if so, do I remove the pendulum rod that is in the clock now and cut this one off to a similar length?  I have attached a picture of what they sent which looks like a pendulum rod (picture does not show all the rod with the curved part on one end.  It just shows the part with what looks like a spring on the end.  Also in the picture are the 3 broken pieces I have.

Answer
Something is wrong here.  Could you send me digital pictures of the clock depicting the movements front plate.  The first picture you sent was most helpful, but, I need a wider view that show the whole frontplate.  Be sure to include what ever is left of the pendulum.  I believe you have been provided with a generic pendulum spring and pendulum rod.  You can make it work, but let me look see, then tell you how to proceed.  Send to my e-mail address <flashpowder@hotmail.com>.  TIP:  Whenever taking pictures of a mechanical item, such as a clock, always include a standard measuring device in the photo, such as a quarter a ruler etc.
I believe we are making progress.  Regards WJP