Expert: Martin Meyer - 9/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: i just recently purchased a vintage linden clock ,it supposed to have four different chime options . Silent ,Westminster and two others i cant remember , how do i set these chimes ? Right now it doesn't chime at all and i'm hoping it's on silent ! Thank you for your time

ANSWER: Hi Charles,

The chime selector lever almost always extends through a slot in the dial, most often near the numeral "3". It is usually marked with "Silent", and abbreviations for the three chimes. (Four chimes would be very unusual; the fourth "option" is probably "silent".) The abbreviations would be something like West (Wesminster), Whitt (Whittington, and either St. Mich (St. Michael) or Winch (Winchester). If you find the slightly arc-shaped slot, but the lever does not protrude through it, the lever may be missing or bent back inside the case.

You don't specify if your clock is a longcase, wall or mantle clock. Depending on the type of clock, and in rare cases, the selector may be on the back of the movement, a rod hanging down from behind the dial, usually on the right side or a slot in the dial near the "12".

Note also that if your clock actually has three different chimes, it will have a row of eight chime rods (and possibly also a row of four chime rods). If it has only a row of four chime rods, it is a Westminster-only chime, and may not have any selector lever at all (although some clocks have a "Chime-Silent" lever).  http://www.clockmasteronline.com.

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QUESTION: thanks for your last answer , i see no lever at all and my clock only has 5 bars or chime rods in it . Im guessing the way to silence it is to pull the lever down on the chime rods ? Also the chimes don't always shime like they're supposed to ,on the 1/4, 1/2 ,3/4 of the hour ? if i push start the chime mech it will work ? any suggestions? Thanks again

Answer
Hi Charles,

5 rods definitely means Westminster only, so that explains the lack of a selector lever. If there is a large lever mounted on the back of the movement, and if it can raise the chime hammers so they don't contact the chime rods when the clock strikes, then that is a chime shut-off. If the lever presses the hammers down onto the rods, then you should not attempt to use it as a shut-off.

If the chime needs a push to get it started, then the chime is stalling and either the movement needs lubrication or its bearings are worn out and the clock needs an overhaul or new movement.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com.