Expert: Harold Williamson - 12/17/2009

Question
QUESTION: This is a Black Wood Clock with Lions Heads and Claw feet the clock works great but I was just wondering how to get the weight correct for it to keep the right time. It doesn't have a weight on the regulator, it has a date on the back of it with Sept 1,1885 andAug.14,1885. Does this have anything to do with the value of it?

ANSWER: Hello Brenda

If the pendulum does not have a regulator nut at the bottom of the ball then it might have a hole in the dial just above the #12 with an arbor to turn to adjust the speed.
The winding key will have a small winder for this arbor if it is the correct key.
The dates are referring to patient dates and not manufactoring  dates.  

Hope this will help

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: it doesn't have a nut at the bottom, but i think i have found something that works to replace at what should have been there. and i don't think this is the correct key but it also works. it's a beautiful clock does this clock have a value on it or when it was made?  thank you,BRENDA

ANSWER: sounds  like you have it under control.  make sure the key fits the arbor snugly.  Without a pic I caint date the clock.  Good luck.
Harold

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have found the arbor,which way do you turn it L>R or R<L for fast to slow? thank you again,Brenda

Answer
normally to the right will speed the clock but not always true.  Try turning the key about 1/2 turn and keep a note of how much ,which way,how much it had gained or lost, date and time you made the change and dont forget to adjust the time after you adjust the rate.
Trial and error
Harold

Good Luck and Merry Christmas