Expert: William J Perkins - 8/9/2008

Question
Very recently a cousin gave me an antique James McCabe mantle clock for repair.It is a chain fuzee clock.The problem with the clock is that it strikes twice and four times in the first two quarters respectively.In the third quarter it does not strike.Again at the full hour it does not strike the respective hour on the gong.(The quarters are struck on two bells like in a cycle). Since I have never serviced any chain fuzee clocks before I would like to know what precautions I should take before I try to repair the problems.What special care should I take to clean the chain?Is it necessary to dismantle the whole machine? There is a number 3022 embossed on the back plate of the clock along with the name of the manufacturer ie.James McCabe What does the number indicate? Hope to receive your help like in the past.Thanks in anticipation.

Answer
Information on the care and tending of fussee's is sadly missing.  I therefore cannot provide you with a reference source.  The only thing I can tell you is to take care.  I must say your description leads me to believe you should examine your pivots and pivot holes for wear or other damage.  I am disinclined to believe this is a problem related to a fusee chain.  I wish you luck WJP