Expert: John Newman - 10/18/2010

Question
I have a Harris & Mallow Regulator that I recieved as a gift in the mid-1990s...I assume it was new at that time.  Information stamped on the back of the movement is:

A
HARRIS & MALLOW
NO (0) JEWELS
UNADJUSTED
MADE IN WEST GERMANY
341-020
35 CM
112.00

Although the clock still runs and keeps decent time with occasional lubrication, over the course of many moves 3 of the fives chime bars fatigued and broke/fell off.  Do you know where I could get a replacement chime unit for this clock?  Thanks!

Answer
Jeff, you can obtain chime block assemblies for suppliers like Timesavers, Merritts Antiques, R & M Imports, Mile High Clocks and others found by Googling clock supplies. Some of these companies have on-line catalogs.  Your clock movement was manufactured in 1988 by Hermle for H & M, and I'm not sure the current assemblies have the exact blocks and mounting dimensions as your original.  I would think they do, but you would have to check with the suppliers.  To order, you will have to know the configuration of the chime block assembly such as the shape, orientation of the chime rods, dimensions of the rods from the mounting assemblies and dimensions of the mounting holes (sometimes you have to change the location of the holes and add wood blocks.  Also, If the chime rods are the screw-in type, you can order a set of tuned rods.  Make sure you can unscrew the plugs for the block.  I usually have to put the block in a vice and use large screwdriver that fits the slot in the plug perfectly.  Some are in so tight we sometimes have to use an impact screwdriver to extract them and be careful not to damage the plug slot. (I think at that time they had not started using staked plugs on these assemblies).  If you have trouble getting any of this done, I do have the parts and can assemble on for you, but first try the suppliers.  Let me know if you have any more questions.  If you need any more details, you can contact me at my shop email address below.  

FYI, when transporting clocks, the chime rods should always be packed with some type of foam padding to keep them from vibrating.  As you pointed out, the will fatigue and fall break off.  I just shipped a grandfather clock chime assembly that lost 8 of 12 rods from vibrating stress.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)