Expert: Harold Williamson - 9/12/2009

Question
Hi. An 88 year old neighbour has a granddaughter clock bought around the 1960's.  It has three winding holes and recently on winding one of the mechanisms the key kicked back badly injuring her finger  I think it was the winding hole for the chimes.  The clock is still running and the pendulum going but the chimes are very slow.  I waited until it ran right down and tried to rewind it but the key kicked back again on this winding hole.  The clock belonged to her late husband so she is very upset by this.  What do you think is doing this.

Answer
Hello June,

Since there was kick back it was the click or the click spring that has either broken or slipped
out of position.  Also sometimes when this happens the sudden release of power does damage to other parts within the movement.  A clocksmith needs to take a look at it.  The chiming winding arbor is the one on the right, time is the middle one and strike is the left but if it wont chime it also wont strike.  Unless it has been cleaned and bushed within the last 10 years it would be wise to let a clocksmith take it to his shop for an overhaul.  Be careful who you chose for the repairs.  This is something that can not be done in the home.  Sorry I am the bearer of bad news.
Harold Williamson
Full Time Clock Repair
4556 Mebane Rogers Rd.
Mebane, NC
27302
919-304-7651