Expert: John Newman - 2/25/2010

Question
QUESTION: I recently inherited an Ansonia regulator A wall clock. It is working perfectly, except it has it's chimes mixed up. It is supposed to ring several times at 1 o'clock, 2 o'clock, 3, 4 and so on and 1 time only at 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 and so on. It does it, however, the other way around. I don't know why and I don't know how to correct this. I looked up some info on the internet and apparently this problem is fairly common. In other wall clocks there is a chain or rope next to the pendulum with which to adjust the chimes. Other brands have some kind of switch or button to do this. I looked all around in my Ansonia Regulator A and couldn't find anything like that. Any ideas?

ANSWER: Carlos, It is possible your Ansonia clock is a "safe-back" model, meaning you can turn the minute hand backwards safely.  So we'll go with that type.  First set the clock to the correct time using the minute hand.  Then carefully try to turn the minute hand backwards past the hour.  If you feel an abrupt stop, do not attempt to go any further.  If it does move back with not stop, continue turning until you hear a light click.  Then move the hand forward until it strikes.  Each time you do this it will advance to the next strike sequence, whether it is the next hour (one through twelve strikes), or the next half hour (one strike).  

Allright, let's say that the clock has wound down and stopped.  The correct time is now 6:10.  Wind the clock.  Turn the minute hand forward to the correct time, even though the number of strikes will probably be wrong.  But when you passed the hour the last time let's say it struck 2 times.  Move the minute hand back past the hour until it clicks.  Now turn it forward and as you pass the hour it should strike.  It should strike one time for 2:30.  Back again and forward again.  It should strike 3 times for 3:00.   Repeat this until it strikes 6 times for 6:00.  Now move it a little ahead to 10 minutes after.  The time is now 6:10, the clock struck 6 times and the next time it strikes it will strike once for 6:30.  If your clock is not a safe-back clock and/or this does not work, get back with me and we'll try something else.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Once again, thanks a lot for your help with my previous question. You were dead-on right. Now I'd like to ask for some further advice about the same clock. It's missing the piece of glass that covers the clock's hands (it works sort of like a circular glass door with hinges). I've been raiding the web for an original part. Any ideas where I can get it and a ballpark value of how much it would cost?

Thanks in advance.

Answer
Carlos, if it the glass and brass bezel that is missing, there are vintage ones available, but you have to have a perfect fit on the dial part that is attached to the clock case.  I have quite a few, but then again, many are slightly different and often I come up with a mismatch.  You would really have to ask a clockmaker to try to find one for you.  If it is just the round glass, a local glass company can cut you a flat one.  Also, you can try some of the clock suppliers if you know the EXACT size needed.  They offer flat and convex dial glasses and are supplied in 1/16" increments.  Try Googling Timesavers, Merritts Antiques, and Mile High.  I know Timesavers and Merritts have On-line catalogs.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama