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Clocks, Watches/Harris & Mallow ( 3 key hole ) model 182 121 ??
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Question
Clock was given to me.. I understand the three key holes and what they do from reading. The clock keeps good time but the chimes will not work on the hour or 15 min. I do not belive it is over wound to tight.. is their a way that they may have turned off..
Thanks for any help Ed I have several 30 day clocks and have most of them working.. You said you may start a repair course ???
Ed, does the person that gave you the clock know if the chime was working before? I could be a little more specific on diagnosing the problem if know what the model number of the movement is. Can you send me all the information found on the back of the movement? Without knowing the model number I will give you some things to look for that are found on most movements. On some models there is a silent lever. It is usually found on the dial mostly outside the "3", someimes outside the "9", and occasionally above the "12". I have also seen them inside the back of the case because there was on room to bring through the slot in the dial. The way the chime and strike works is that the chime is tripped on each quarter hour and plays the tune. After the 4th quarter (hour) chime, the strike counts out the hour. The hour strike will not function until the chime has completed its 4ath quarter tune. Look in the back of the clock and check the chime hammers. Are they all in alignment in the rest position (about and eighth of an inch from the chime rods)? If not, you might want to gently rock one of the wheels (gears) on the back of the movement and see if that unjams it. If this doesn't work, it would probably be best to have an experienced clockmaker service it.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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Answers by Expert:
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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