Expert: William J Perkins - 11/4/2010

Question
Ihave a smiths mantel clock 1950 and for some reason it is now chimming once on the hour and the in half the hour it will chime say 7 times and it is like this through the 24 hour....

Answer
Your time and strike mechanism has slipped causing it to lose synchronization.  It might be possible for you to make a temporary repair, otherwise you might have to take the clock to a qualified clock repair person for correction.  The temporary repair entails removing the minute hand from its shaft and re-installing it into a position 30 minute in advance of its present position.  This should cause synchronization.  You will have to set to the correct time.  Regards WJP