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Clocks, Watches/Ridgeway grandfather clock

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Expert: - 12/3/2009


Question
I have a Ridgeway grandfather clock.I usually keep the chimes set in SILENT mode as they bother my wife. I recently noticed the weight which works with the hour strike was not dropping at the same rate as the other two weights. I activated the chime to investigate and noticed that the clock would only chime once at the top of each hour whether it be one o'clock or twelve  o'clock.  

Answer
Roger, I think you mean that the clock strikes (rather than chimes) once at the top of the hour.  Correct me if I am wrong.  There are a few different types of clock movement silencing.  One is with the single 4-position lever on the right side of the dial to select 3 different chime melodies and silent.  The strike is also dependent of the chime operating and will not strike when on silent.  There is a model with the chime on or off.  There is also a model that controls the chime from the right side of the dial and the strike from the left.  Concerning the weights descending, remember each weight is the power for a particular function, like the right one powers the chime, the center is for the running and the left is for the strike.  Also, there is one model that silences the chime and strike, but allows the weights to descend normally.  This sounds like the model you have.  Evidently the strike function is not working properly.  There is a mechanism that is called a rack and snail.  The rack falls down on the snail at a different level so that as it is lifted it will lift the distance to strike the correct hour.  It sounds like the rack is not falling any further than the first hour.  Whether it is in silent or strike, the failure would be the same.  It could be that there is a lever or pin out of adjustment or sync, or it could be caused by gummy lubricant not allowing the rack to drop cleanly.  This can happen if the clock has not been serviced in the last 7 to 10 years.  If this is the case I would suggest have an experienced clockmaker look at it.

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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