Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 5/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: 1. The inscription on the brass works of the clock state:  E. Schmeckenbecher, Made in West Germany  H-65

What does the H-65 mean?

2.  There are some other numbers:  A37 and 5-70

What do these numbers mean?

3.  What is the average cost to clean and oil a clock like this?  The person I took it to the price seems awfully expensive.  Is this clock considered very "old" and would I be wasting my money to invest in putting it into running order.  

This is a minature Pillar and Scroll clock.  It is driven by 2 brass weights and you wind it by pulling the chains.  I have searched for more info regarding this clock but all I can find are cuckoo clocks made by Emil Schmeckenbecher.  Please give me some info or where I can find more information.

Thank you - Dottie

ANSWER: a photo or some dimensions would help. the pillar and scroll was not a wall clock - so that is a mystery - and how a miniature one runs on weights for any longer than one day is a mystery

I suspect 5-70 is May of 1970 the A37 is a model number and the H65 is the pendulum length in cm.

$200 or less would seem right for me

Schmeckenbecher did not make their own movements they only made the cases. SBS FEINTECHNIK  in Germany made many of the movements they are located in Schonach in the Black Forest.

I have no further source of info

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

QUESTION: thank you for your prompt reply.  I appreciate the information.  A few years ago I saw one like the one I have advertised on e-bay.  It was referred to as a "minature Pillar and Scroll clock", evidently this information was incorrect. I have a photo of that clock (mine is at a repair shop now) and will try and attach it to this e-mail.  I apologize the photo is not very clear.

Answer
just a chain driven wall clock. Most clock repair is a waste of money for small clocks, but profit is not the motive for most folks. You can not buy a new similar clock for anything like the repair cost of yours. But the repair cost can not be recouped by selling it on Ebay.More of an emotional decision.