Expert: John Newman - 1/6/2010

Question
I have a shelf clock that I have taken care of for many years but is not running. I keep it safe on my shelf and the last time it ran was several years ago. Is it safe to attempt to get it running again? all parts are in place. I can send you photos if you like. I estimate the clock was made around the middle of the 1800's. The paper label says, "Improved Brass Clocks by Elisha Manross Bristol Conn." The weights are disconnected from their strings so as not to put undo tension on the strings. Also I have no idea how to insure my clock as I dont have a value for it and have not been successful in my research. Respectfully submitted Gary R. Crumley  Jacksonville FL

Answer
Gary, I will include a general list of instructions for looking at a clock that is not running.  I am not familiar with the clock maker and do not give values on clocks.  I would suggest contacting an antiques dealer for an appraisal.  There is one appraiser to whom I have sent clock owners.  He is:

Steve Petrucelli, NAWCC # 39793

973-723-7947

You can find a little more information on him by Googling "Adams Brown Clocks".

Here are the General Instructions:


THE FIRST LEVEL IS THE SETUP.  

If a clock movement is in operating condition but not working, I would check the stability of the clock in that it doesn't rock or wobble on the floor, wall or shelf.  It should be relatively level.  The level is not critical, as setting the beat (below) will correct for this.  

If this is a spring powered movement, verify that the mainsprings are wound (I have taken service calls on clocks that were not wound, even the customer said they were).  It it is a weight driven clock, verify that the weights are hung correctly.  On most clocks the weights vary in weight.  This can be determined by the model of the movement  

Is the pendulum hanging configuration correct?  This means that the suspension spring, hanger, verge and pendulum are all connected properly with nothing broken, especially the suspension spring, meaning that when the pendulum swings you hear an even tick....tock....tick....tock.  If it is uneven, like tick..tock......tick..tock, the clock will probably stop.  Most later model movements have an "auto-beat" mechanism.  The beat can be set by holding the pendulum over to one side next to the case and releasing it.  It will automatically correct itself.  If it does not have this feature, the escapement crutch will have to be slipped manually.  If required, I can give you instructions for that.  I would need a clear photo of the back of the movement showing the pendulum hanging configuration.


THE SECOND LEVEL INCLUDES MAINTENANCE

This includes cleaning, inspecting, oiling and adjusting.  In the inspection, the movement is checked for adjustments, broken or worn parts.  If there are any broken or worn parts, we go to the third level. If all parts are okay, a good clock oil and grease is used.  In most cases the movement should be removed from the case to have access to all the lubrication points.  Clock lubricants can be bought from clock suppliers.  Using lubricants for other applications can cause problems, as some lubricants are not compatible with others.  This even applies to different clock oils.  After lubricating, the operation is checked for final adjustments.  I recommend maintenance be performed every 7 to 10 years.


THE THIRD LEVEL IS REPAIR.

This requires that the movement be broken down and all parts inspected and repaired or replaced, and then reassembled lubricated, adjusted and tested.  I do not recommend this except by an experienced clockmaker.

I hope this answers some of your questions.


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama