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Clocks, Watches/Non-working mantel clock

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Expert: - 2/21/2010


Question
I have just been given an oak-cased mantel clock, which I would estimate to have been made in the 1930s-40s. It was made by the Northern Goldsmiths Company, and also has 'Enfield' written on the face. It came with a pendulum (which I removed for transport) and a key, but it doesn't work. It seems to be completely wound as it won't wind any further. It will chime if you move the hands, but the number of chimes does not match the hours! This could be quite endearing, but might drive me bonkers if I can get the clock to work!!  The only writing on the back plate of the movement inside says 'Made in England' so not much help I'm afraid. The back plate has four screws holding it in place and there is a plate, again held with screws, that seems to be holding the pendulum arm mechanism. I haven't undone any of theses screws (yet) in case something pings out.If I move the pendulum arm, the hands will move, so I assume it's not completely dead - any hints? Thanks very much.

Answer
Frances, you were correct in not removing any screws, as most hold assemblies that have to be aligned with precision when removed and replaced.  And if the wrong screws are removed without following a spring let down procedure, it will definitely go "PING" with disastrous results!There are possibly two causes of the clock not running:
 
First, the pendulum assembly has either a slip mechanism that you can adjust or a part called the crutch that you form slightly to one side to set the beat.  The clock should be in beat, meaning that the tick tock is even like, tick....tock....tick....tock.  If it goes, tick..tock......tick..tock, it is out of beat and will not run for long.  I do not have an Enfield in my shop right now so I cannot know which type of adjustment you have.  If you can send a clear photo of the back of the movement to my shop email address below, I can look at it and let you know how to adjust it...If the beat is not out too much, you can shim up one side of the clock by putting something under the feet to raise it a little on one side

The other cause can be that the clock needs servicing because of gummy lubricants and/or worn parts.  Since we do not have a history of the clock, I have no way of determining what might be wrong.  It might be best to have an experienced clcokmaker look at it.

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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