Expert: William J Perkins - 12/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: Salem Ships Bell Clock - 8 day jeweled clock.  The striking bells are off.  At 10 AM, it should be 4 bells , but it rang twice.  How do I get it back in sync?  Thanks, for your time.

Larry

ANSWER: Is the strike off the same number of bells each hour or is the difference inconsistent?  If it is consistent you need to reposition the minute hand.  Using your example, the clock says 10 AM but rings 2 bells, you need to remove the minute hand and reposition it to 9 AM which is 2 bells.  You would then need to reset the clock to the proper time.  To do this operation properly you would need to stop the clock at the precise time the clock begins to strike.  Remove the hand nut and the hand from its shaft.  Turn the hand over and you will see the square hole that positions the hand to its shaft is in the form of a friction fit bushing.  Using the tang of a small file turn the bushing so that when it is in position, on its shaft it points to the corrected time,  In this instance 9.  Once you have done this secure the hand by installing the hand nut, then start the clock.  (Some Salem clocks secure the hand with a taper pin and a washer, rather than a nut.  Regardless of what type the procedure is the same.)  Regards WJP

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

QUESTION: Thank you for your earlier response. Yes the bell strike is off the same for all hours.  Don't I have to change the hour hand, not the minute hand?  How do I stop this clock during the first strike on the hour?  The only item that I can change is to turn the strike on or off.  The hour hand has a c like clip on the spindle once I remove the minute hand.  The only way I can think to stop the clock is to let the windings run down.

Thanks,

Larry

Answer
You can use the hour hand to make this adjustment.   The hour hand is friction fit to it's post and can be moved by simply pushing it to the desired position.  I however prefer to use the method out lined by my original response.  That method puts to strain on the time train.  As far as stopping the clock is concerned you need to interrupt the oscillation of the balance wheel by bringing it to a gentle stop with pressure from one of your fingers.  The key is to stop the clock at the right moment, letting it run down would not do that.  Regards WJP