Expert: John Newman - 9/9/2009

Question
Do you know where I could find all the internal parts for my clock?  I've looked on Ebay but not sure which movements work in my clock.
Thank you,
Kelly

Answer
Kelly, I have looked in some of my resources and have not found the model "Hawk" yet.  From your question I would think you had the case and needed the movement, dial, gong assembly and possibly an alarm feature.  As a professional, I would be looking for the original components, which can usually be found, given enough time.  The movement would have to be a Gilbert with the mounting feet (kitchen clocks have then on the back of the movement, mantel clock have them on the front) that line up with the screw holes in the back of the case and the winding arbors and handshaft of the correct length to match the dial position.  The dial should also have the winding hole locations to match the winding arbors on the movement.  Also the movement gearing has to match the pendulum length which was originally designed for the case.  Unfortunately, the pendulum length gearing is not always identified on these movements.  Fortunately, there were thousands of these clocks manufactured and the movements aren't that rare.  You would really need clockmaker who is experienced in doing this type of work to match everything.  Another thing is that if you do find a movement, it is likely that it will need some degree of restoration to bring it back to good running condition.  But, to start, can you send me a clear photo of the front of the clock and possibly one of the inside of the case with the door open.  That way I hopefully could see the mounting screw holes and help you determine the movement, what type of gong assembly and whether it had an alarm attached.  On the photo of the open door, if you could place a yardstick vertically resting on the inside base, I could get some idea of pendulum length.  You can send this information to my shop email address below.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com  

(General Note:  Due to the commitment I have for answering Allexperts questions and follow-up information,
and the excessive backlog at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer other questions from
this email address in a timely manner)