Expert: William J Perkins - 8/23/2009

Question
I've have just been given a Smiths clock and I don't know how to wind it up. I have a key which seems to turn 2 screws in the back. I have turned them to the left but nothing has happened. I don't want to break it

Answer
All the Smith's I have seen wind from the front, through the dial.  Depending upon whether the clock is a two or three train job you will find two or three holes in the dial.  Looking into those holes you will find a square shaft staring back at you.  The key fits over these shafts.  You insert the key onto the shaft and turn them untill they are tight.  Should the clock not wind, the springs might be broken or the winding shaft brake malfunctioning.  If I am wrong on this please send me digital pictures, one of the front and one of the back.  This will allow me to see the clock, thus understanding your problem.  Regards WJP