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Clocks, Watches/Ingraham clock part needed

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Expert: - 9/8/2009


Question

Horloge
Good morning John,
I own a mantel type Ingaham clock Duplex 7 inch. It will work for a while then stops by itself. I believe that the flat leaf spring connected to the pendulum is weakened by age. I had my clock repaired by two clock shops at very high cost and never got it to work properly. I would like to give one more and last try by changing that spring. Can you help me find that part?
Thank you for your help,
Pierre

Answer
Pierre, I'm sorry that you have had such a problem in being charged for work that hasn't resolved your problem.  I don't know how long ago it was that you had the work done, but wouldn't there be a warranty period?  First, the part to which you are referring, the suspension rod consists of a leaf spring (some call it a feather) at the top of the rod.  The rod has a hook which has to be formed at the bottom to hold the pendulum bob.  There sometimes is a difference in the thickness of the feather, so the installation requires some manipulating to obtain the correct rate.  However, unless the spring is broken, that would not be the problem.  These springs do not weaken in any sense to affect the clock.  I have worked on clocks over 200 years old with the original spring still working.  If the spring is broken, cracked or crimped, then it needs to be replaced.  The first thing I suggest in keeping a clock running is to insure it is stable on its feet.  Does it wobble or rock on the feet?  If so a small #cardboard is good) shim should be put under one of the feet to correct this problem.  The second thing is to check the beat.  To be in beat it should sound like, tick....tock....tick....tock.  If it goes tick..tock......tick..tock, it is out of beat and will stop.  There is an adjustment inside the clock to correct this when the clock is level, but on your clock it is rather difficult, as the pendulum is in the front of the movement.  For you to correct this, gently lift one side of the clock a little and listen for the beat.  If it becomes more even, shim up that side of the clock, again with cardboard shims.  If it becomes worse, the other side would be the one to shim.  One misconception is that a clock has to be level to run.  That is true if the clock comes from the factory or repair shop set to have an even beat while level.  However, the beat can be knocked out of adjustment while transporting.  To correct this, the clock has to be tilted to run correctly.  Let me know what you find.  If it does need to be looked at by a clockmaker, consider the warranty of the clockmakers you have had work on it, or I know a clockmaker in Canada, but how close to you I will have to know.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

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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