Expert: John Newman - 9/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: i have 2 ansonia clocks. need to adjust speed of clocks. one model is a triumgh model,moving pendulem up and down does what?
also have a black iron figurine clock that has a tiny adjuster on top of clock. to slow down or speed up which direction to turn and how much to turn?any chance to find a copy of manuals for these clocks?
thank you

ANSWER: George, when you "tighten" the rating nut on the pendulum bob it shortens the pendulum causing it to run faster.  Loosening it slows the rate.  On the adjuster, I think you are referring to the rating arbor at the upper part of the dial that is turned with the small end of the key to regulate the clock faster or slower.  The direction to turn varies with different models of clocks. Many have the indicator letters "S" and "F" to indicate which way to turn.  If there are not any letters, it is a trial and error procedure.  To properly time a clock it should be timed for a certain period of time, say a few hours.  Run the clock and check the start of the strike, checking an accurate source like a quartz watch or clock.  Run it for 4 hours and then check the time when it strikes.  On the pendulum clock, if it is slow, tighten the nut a couple of turns (count the number of turns), reset the clock and then catch the strike on the next hour,  When you have it close, repeat this procedure for a 24 hour period.  You will find that as you get closer to the proper rate the nut will need less turning.  If it starts running too fast, you need to back the nut off a little.  Always make sure the pendulum bob is always seated firmly on the rating nut.  On the clock with the dial adjustment the same procedure should be followed turning the adjuster.  You will have to start out turning the rating arbor in one direction to see whether it speeds up or slows the clock.  A couple of things, if the clock with the adjuster has a pendulum bob with a rating nut, use the rating nut to do the adjusting, as the dial adjustments are usually worn to a point where the adjustment is non-linear.  It is rather frustrating to try to get one of these things regulated accurately.  Another is not to expect these clocks to regulate accurately over a week's time, as compared with the modern electronic devices.  There are many factors that can affect the timekeeping on clocks this old.  There are few manuals available on these vintage clocks other than books on clock repair that go into detailed repair and adjusting.  The original clock usually had labels on them with brief instructions on running and regulating.

Hope this helps a little.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: john.
whats best way to clean the metal insets and churebs for the triumgh clock?
also best way to clean the black iron figurine clock? yrs of tarnish are on it.   ingredients?

Answer
I am reluctant to give information on processes or chemicals for cleaning parts of clocks because of the different types of materials used in clocks.  The decision to clean a clock can destroy the patina associated with the normal aging of the clock, which sometimes devalues the clock.  Sorry I cannot help you in this area.  I'm going to suggest that you Google "cleaning clock cases" and you will find much more information to choose from that I could give you.

John Newman