Clocks, Watches/Grandmother clock

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Expert: - 8/5/2009


Question

clock mechanism box
I read the numbers incorrectly on the movement case. 84,King Arthur,Fairhope, Ala, 38352, 451  050H  94cm 66 is the correct numbers. The clock chimed and kept excellent time before being moved. They removed the weights and taped around the chains. Now it keeps perfect time but does not chime anymore. I don't know if the weights are on the proper chains. Can I fix it myself or should I take it to a clock repair person.  I do not know how to move it correctly.I sent a [hoto of the frontview. It is in excellent condition. This view is of the inside mechanism box. Difficult to photograph.

Answer
Debie, it does appear that the back hammer is lifted a little.  The chime cam is the series of silver disks with spikes on them.  Try rocking them back and forth a little and see if that works.  I usually don't  recommend that a grandfather clock be taken into my shop.  I had rather make a house call.  It initially costs a little more, but the reason is that if I service the clock in my shop and it is running fine, moving it can upset some of the adjustments and then I have to charge the time, travel and labor to resolve the problem.  If you do want to take it in I can tell what you will have to do to prepare it for moving.

John Newman

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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