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Clocks, Watches/Kieninger Grand only chimes once / hour
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Question
I have a grandfather clock that is a Kieninger I believe. It as working fine then started only chiming once per hour instead of the number for the hours. The weight for that chime does move (slowly). As far as I know, nothing was done to the clock. The strike/silent lever (which only moves the hammers away from the tone bars) is in the strike position (as, I said, it does chime once). Any ideas?
Michael, the strike function works on a rack and snail mechanism. The sail allows the rack to drop down to the corresponding hour. The most common cause for this is the failure of the rack to drop down. When the mechanism trips, it strikes once and stops. The reason for this is usually because of gummy lubricant in the pivot of the rack or the rack release lever not lifting enough to clear the rack teeth, thus inhibiting any movement. If you are familiar with clock mechanisms enough to be able to remove the dial, I can guide you through the steps to determine what is happening. If not, it would be best to have an experienced clockmaker look at it. If the clock hasn't been serviced in the last 7 to 10 years, the lubricants have probably become gummy and/or parts can be worn.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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| Comment | Thank you for the info. It seems strange to me that the clock has this mechanism but I haven't looked in the right way so I will need to look at it closer/more. Do you know of an online guide that would enable me to remove the dial and clean and lubricate the clock. The local repair shop wants $85 if I take them the clock and $170 if they come to me. That seems expensive. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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