Expert: William J Perkins - 9/14/2008

Question
I moved the clock from one room to another. it was in perfect working order. i wrapped a towel around the pendulum to minimize the movement and to keep it from breaking the glass. the problem is know as i set the clock and start the pendulum i don't hear the classic "tick, tock" sound and gradually the pendulum stops swinging.
Phil. P.S. my grandfather was a very big clock collector here on the west coast, therefore clocks are a hobby for me.

Answer
I suggest your clock is out-of-beat.  Your Herschede should have an automatic beat adjustment feature.  To activate simple restart the pendulum with a gentle motion.  If you cause the pendulum to swing to violently the automatic adjustment feature will not work.  If this reccomendation does not work, grasp the very bottom of the pendulum rode and pull it down with a force equal to 1 to 1 1/2 lbs, starting at dead center and applying the force move the pendulum back and forth through an arch of about 5 inches, release the downward force at the end of one of the arcs, right or left, the clock should be in beat.  If this doesn't do it, there is another problem.  If so let me know, regards WJP