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Question
Just purchased Jerome & Co.Newhaven Con. 30 hour Clock ,without Pendulum I have made one using nuts. Clock ticks with normal sound when level is correct. Problem. Clock stops eratically. Could be 15 mins or several hours. This clock over 100 years old.Do you know it. Thank You for your service.
Donald, the first thing I would do would be to check to see if the clock is in beat which means and even tick tock like tick....tick....tick....tock. If it goes tick..tock......tick..tock, it is out ouf beat and will stop. With the clock level, the beat can be adjusted by an experienced clockmaker, but you can do this by shimming the clock up on one side or the other to get the even beat. After I do this and the problem hasn't been solved, I usually check the pendulum hanging configuration (I have attached a photo of a similar movement I'm working on right now). Then I look at the positions of the gears and parts to see if there is any pattern. I disassemble the movement and inspect all the parts then I look for worn parts or gummy lubricant. I repair or replace any bad parts, reassemble, oil and make any required adjustments. If this works, send me a clear photo of the front of the clock and I can tell you what type of pendulum bob you need and where to get it and some more details. My email address is below.
)
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer emails on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)
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Answers by Expert:
John Newman
Expertise
As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.
Experience
One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.
Organizations
Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Committee
Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.
Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology
Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)
Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama)
Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)
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