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Clocks, Watches/Ansonia Mantle clock chime bar set
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Question
Hey John,
I'm currently working on an ansonia mantle clock, it was recently shipped to me and 2 of the chime bars have broken off. It's a 5 bar system, Westminster chime. The current set is pressed into a cast block (appears to have no threads at all)
Other than this the clock seems to be in good working order.
I was wondering If I could buy a tuned set of bars with threaded ends, and then machine (drill/tap) my current block to accept the threaded rods (assuming there is enough room in the block) I'd like to achieve a new set of bars without altering the wood case at all.
also, (if this sounds workable to you) what would be your best recommended source for a set of 5 matched/tuned threaded bars, longest being just under 12 inches.
thank you in advance for your reply.
Duane, I have a feeling the Ansonia clocks with the 5 rod chime units would have been the modern production clocks made by the Ansonia company in Lynwood, Washington. They ceased making clocks 2006. Ansonia had been sold to a Russian company prior to that. I believe the movements they used were manufactured by Hermle.
You can do the job as you have described, but it will take some effort. First you have to punch the chime rod plugs out of the cast iron block. The tuned set of 5 chimes rods (the longest being 8 inches long), and a drill and tap for these chime rods can be purchased from Timesavers (www.timesavers.com). They have an on-line catalog. They also have the chime rod assemblies ready to install. Sometimes the mounting holes in the case have to be relocated. I hop this helps. If you have any more questions, get back with me.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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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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