Clocks, Watches/ansonia wall clock

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Expert: - 12/8/2010


Question
My son gave me a clock that did not work?  I wound it a few turns, and it appeared to work well.  My question is- there are two key holes in the face, I wound the clock 3 turns there with no problem,  what is the other hole for?
Also there is another key in some gears to the lower left of the clock, near the spring, what are they? I now next to nothin g about these clocks, but it certainly is not broke.  Any hel[p would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Bill, the general convention is that on a clock with two winding arbors, the one on the right is for the time, the one on the left is for the strike.  It is probably an 8-day clock, so a full wind on both  winding arbors will run and strike the clock for 1 week.  With the description of the key and gears on the lower left of the clock, that is probably the alarm.  There should be a small round disc in the center hole of the dial with the numbers 1 through 12.  When the clock is set up properly, the alarm can be set for the next morning (let's say 6 o'clock)by slipping the disc with the 6 under the hour hand.  Then wind the alarm spring. Don't set it more than 12 hours before the required alarm time or it will go off prematurely.  Like if you set it for 6 in the morning at 5 in the afternoon, it will go off in one hour at 6 in the afternoon.  One more further comment, it is very unusual for a wall clock to have one of these alarm mechanisms.  They are usually on mantel or shelf clocks, most of them being what is called the kitchen gingerbread clocks.  If I am off my ideas on this clock or if you have any more questions, get back with me.


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

Clocks, Watches

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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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