Clocks, Watches/missing pendulum

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Expert: - 10/31/2009


Question
John, I have a FHS mantle clock that is missing the pendulum. The movement is:151-080, the wound up key is :#10.
The clock was made in '84. Where can I purchase the correct pendulum? Also could you explain how to install and adjust the time? Thank you,
      Phyliss

Answer
Phyliss, I need one more bit of information.  There should be a number under the 151-080, for example, 11cm.  I am pretty sure I know which pendulum bob you probably need but this number will insure it.  Also will you confirm that the suspension spring and hanger are both in place.  The suspension spring is the part that looks a little like a razor blade and is attached to the horizontal post on the top back of the movement plate.  The hanger is the piece that is attached to the suspension spring and from which the pendulum bob hangs.  Make sure the suspension spring is not broken or crimped.  If you reply to my shop email address below, I can give you more details.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com

Note:  Because of the number of Allexpert questions and follow ups,
and the excessive backlog in my shop, I regret that I can only answer
the Allexperts questions at this time.

Clocks, Watches

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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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