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Clocks, Watches/Herschede Hall Chain Driven Clock

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Expert: - 12/3/2009


Question

Image of broken pin
I believe the serial/model of the works is 12546 (stamped on the back of the clock works).  This clock does not strike the hour correctly and I believe there is a pin broken.  It always strikes one time, and rarely two.    I have attached pics of the clock.  

Answer
Gerald, from your clear photo, the pin you show does not look broken  It is located on the tail of the rack that drops on the snail.  The snail corresponds to the hour that is supposed to strike.  The highest level is the 1st level to strike the one.  The lowest level is the 12th to strike twelve.  If you will notice, the end of the pin is cut at an angle.  This allows the clock to be set backwards.  The angle will slide past the snail without jamming.   There can be some mechanical alignment that will not allow the rack to fall past the one or two.  If the clock hasn't been serviced in the last 7 to 10 years, it could be that the lubricants have become gummy and the rack doesn't fall cleanly below the first or second level.  I would suggest you have an experienced (particularly in Herschede movements) clockmaker look at it.


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

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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