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Clocks, Watches/Ridgeway Grandfather Clock

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Expert: - 10/2/2010


Question
I recently acquired a 1987(?) Ridgeway grandfather curio clock, serial # 89002140, dial q5, model 338, mvmt cc/bc, set up 020689.  The center weight cable appears to be tangled on the spool, the weight is in the highest position. How can I untangle the cable?

Answer
Meredith, a cable usually become tangled because the clock is wound with no weight or tension on the cable.   In most cases this fix requires the services of an experienced clockmaker.  But I will go ahead and explain what has happened and what I do to correct the problem.  The cable can be tangled in two ways.  One is that the cable is crossed on the drum and binding under the clear plastic guard (if present).  The other way is that the cable has come off the drum and wrapped around the winding arbor (shaft).  Unfortunately, the center drum is difficult to see, which makes it difficult to determine how it is tangled.  With the weight in the highest position, it might be so that the weight cannot be unhooked.  I run across this situation occasionally and have to carefully dismantle (unscrew) the parts of the weight to remove it.  Then, if the cable is just crossed, a tool is inserted to release the ratchet and the cable is pulled off until it is untangled.  If the ratchet is in an unreachable position, the movement will have to be removed to access it.  If the cable is around the winding arbor it has possibly been crimped and will have to be replaced, which again requires that the movement be removed from the case.  I'm afraid I cannot give you an easy fix that you can do yourself, unless you are have the ability to remove, replace and realign the movement.  If you have any other information based on what you have told me, get back and I can possibly walk you through doing it yourself.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

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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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