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About Kenneth Saunders
Expertise
any mechanical clock question -no watches- no battery clock questions and no appraisals-ie: "how much is my clock worth?" type questions please! Attach a photo if possible and note all markings on the rear of the mechanism- thanks 36 years as a professional clock repair person- still a full time clock repair service owner

Experience
36 years as a professional clock repair person- still a full time clock repair service owner.

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NAWCC

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above

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Home/Garden > Home Appliances > Clocks, Watches > Coo Coo Clock Repair

Clocks, Watches - Coo Coo Clock Repair


Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 5/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: We have a coo coo clock made by the coo coo clock manufacturing company between WW1 and WW2.  The main wheel on the timeside is broken and we do not want to use new parts.  It is a 1 day, 30hr movement.  Where would be the best place to find a useable part?  Have already contacted a local restoration shop who said it might be difficult to find.  Thank you.

ANSWER: It is "cuckoo" not coo coo


need all the markings off the back of the mechanism- maybe I can help

What exactly is "broken" these wheels do not break normally -the chain on the weight won't stay up?  Why not just repair the broken wheel? This is the left side as you face the clock? What makes you think new parts are even available? or are you talking about an entirely new complete clock mechanism?

You been watching too much "Road Show" on PBS?

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

QUESTION: Thank you for a prompt reply.  The markings on the back of mechanism are as follows bottom left corner "made in germany" right bottom corner"Cuckoo Clock Mgf. Co Inc" and along the right side going toward the top corner is "div pat u.6.m anagom"  This is based upon a square obviously.  We took the clock, not to the antiques road show, but to Old Clocks located in Marietta Ga.,.  The chain will not stay up correct.  Bill Davis who owns the shop and is registered with the NWACC told us that we could replace the movement but we wanted to find salvagable working parts.  This clock is part of a family collection given to us and putting in a new part to repair is not our first choice.  As to what makes me think new parts are even availale, I think if you will re-read my original polite request you will find that we are asking about a useable original movement.

ANSWER: the broken wheel is a "part" --the movement is the "movement"

your original polite request asked for a "a useable part"

Tell Bill to fix the broken wheel, that way you will have an original movement if this is your goal. Maybe you need a different repair person.  

probably needs these:  http://www.clock-keys.com/CART/images/10528.JPG
to fix the wheel ratchet.

or maybe the entire wheel:

http://www.timesavers.com/catalogmain2.asp?ProductID=10528%2C10659&submit1=Searc...

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

QUESTION: I am so glad you got the part about our polite request,... this indicates to me that you appreciate nuances. Since we are not cuckoo clock experts or clock experts of any sort that is why we checked out this site.  I have to say that, while we will certainly check out the websites you suggested and do appreciate the suggestion itself, you seem alittle condesending.  If Bill had the "part" we needed it would of been fixed by  now.  He can fix it with a new "part" but that would destroy it's orginality and we want to avoid this if possible.  As you point out, fixing the wheel(read "part") will give us an original movement.  All we asked was where we might find such a "part".  At anyrate, tomorrow is mother's day...you should know we are wishing you a wonderful one.  There is no need for a further reply.

Answer
Bill should be able to repair your old wheel without replacing it,and thus keep the originality of your clock. If he can't or refuses, then you need a new repair person. If you feel repairing your original wheel will compromise the originality of your cuckoo clock, but are quite willing to replace it or the entire movement with a used part,I do not get your logic here. Old mechanical clocks require repair, you need to understand this.

Have a nice Mother's Day!  

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