Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 4/20/2008

Question
I recently purchased a Howard Miller - Barwick Grandfather Clock Model #4875W "The Prince", at an estate auction for $75.00.  I was curious if you knew when this clock would have been made.  I've searched the internet and can find nothing about the model.   It took me about 4 hours to get it set up in my house and leveled and then followed the directions in the original manual to get it running and adjusted.   The clock needs a major cleaning.  is this something I can do on my own with some mineral oil and a Q-tip or do I need to call someone?

Answer
Barwick clocks were a less expensive line of GF clocks made by Howard Miller I think in the 1965-1975 era.You might ask them:  
http://www.howardmiller.com/FAQs/Default.aspx

Using mineral oil and a Q-tip would be an attempt to OIL the clock not CLEAN the clock. If it needs cleaning call a pro. If it runs and does what it is supposed to do, enjoy your $75 purchase as is. Oiling by an un-skilled person will not help it's performance and could be harmful.