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Clocks, Watches/Preparing for shipping

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Expert: - 11/10/2009


Question
Hi There, I have a King Arthur grandfather clock originally purchased in the early eighties, I have moved it once about 18 years ago and it came out fine.  To my dismay I have lost the instructions on how to prepare for shipping.  I have found a "screw" in the bottom of the clock that looks like some sort of locking device.  I have looked all inside the back and front and cannot find where it should be installed.  Any suggestions?  Thus far I have secured the cable hooks for the weights as described in another set of instructions that was provided to another person on line to prepare their clock for shipping, I have secured the hammers as best I can with rubber bands and Styrofoam and have removed the weights and rods.  As best as I can tell the movement numbers are UW03038B, 415717 and UR605 or URG0S or something to that nature.  I will greatly appreciate any suggestions and assistance you may provide.

Thanks,

Ray Buckles
Mount Vernon, Wa

Answer
Ray, you do have an Urgos movement.  I would have to see the screw to identify it.  I don't know of a screw locking device that would be used for shipping.  It looks like you have done about everything to ready it for shipping.  I would secure the hanger assembly (the pieces from which the pendulum hangs) with a piece of "Blue Painter's Tape" at the back plate of the movement.  This type of tape leaves very little if no sticky residue.  You said you removed the weights and rods.  Do you mean the weights and pendulum (which should of course be removed).  What did you mean by the rods, the chime rod assembly?  It is not normally removed for transport.  I usually insert foam, soft rags or wadded up paper towels between the rods and secure them with ties or rubber bands to keep them from vibrating while transporting.  If the movement is secure in the case you can transport it on its back as long as it's on a flat padded surface and you hit any big bumps.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

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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