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Clocks, Watches/worn chime lift lever
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Question
Hi John,
I have a Ridgeway grandmother clock with a 451-053H movement. The chiming became lower in sound over the years and then started missing notes in the Westminster tune. Observing the movement in operation I notice the chime levers that don't sound move very little when they are pulled back by the movement to strike the chime rod. I disassembled the movement to clean and oil it and the problem appears to be the cam that raises the chime levers has worn a groove in the chime lever. Is it possible to fill this groove with something, or is it possible to get replacement chime levers? Otherwise the movement works good and doesn't show excessive wear.
thank you
Steve
Steve, the grooves can be filled, but the effort to fill them with a metal such as brazing would take more time and effort that just replacing the worn assembly. I probably do have these assemblies or the individual components. If you reply to my shop email address below and send a clear photo showing the worn parts, I will check and see what I have. Please include a copy of your question.
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 personal email questions 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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