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Question
My grandfather clock is chiming way to fast I have a brass piece with a little piece of rubber on it and I don't know where it goes I have been told the flywheel is the problem can you tell me where this is located if this piece belongs to it . The only mark on this clock is West Germany I bought of a girl for $75. and its beatiful she brought it back in 1973 from Germany. My brother in law can probably fix this but I want to know for sure if you think this is the problem
Jackie, I would need to know a little more about the movement and the piece. It sounds like the strike governor is missing or defective. We have a few different names for the governor, like a fly or fan. You are referring to the chime that plays a tune on the quarters rather than the strike that counts the hours aren't you? It really doesn't make that much difference, as both are about the same in looks. Is it possible for you to send me a digital photo of the back of the movement and the piece? I could then possibly tell you what is wrong. My shop email address is below. If the fan is out of the movement it might take an experienced clockmaker to fix it, as the plates of the movement will have to be spread out to install it. This will possibly require a realignment of the chime train (gears, which we call wheels).
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
General Note: Due to the commitment I have for answering Allexperts questions and follow-up information,
and the excessive backlog at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer other questions from
this email address in a timely manner).
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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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