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Clocks, Watches/Forestville mantle clock
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Question
We have a Forestville mantle clock that had belonged to my grandmother. The clock gains time and I have not been able to find a way to make an adjustment. Is there a way to slightly slow the clock down. It gains time faster as it runs down. Also there are three winding holes and we only use the middle one for keeping the time,as we do not use the chimes. Are the other two holes for chimes only or some other purpose. Thanks.
Brian
Brian, first on most clocks with 3 winding holes, the left one is for the strike, the center for the time and the right for the chime. You are correct, if you don't wind the chime and strike, they will not sound.
As far as the slowing down, there can be a combination of factors, such as components weakening or being changed for weaker or even stronger replacements. This includes the suspension spring that is at the top of the pendulum assembly, the weight of the pendulum bob, and the time mainspring. Clockmakers (including myself) have run into this frustrating problem and it takes a lot of testing and changing out of some of these components to get it to work correctly or close to it. I have heard of some that have never been corrected entirely. I just don't know how to tell you to do this. It would really be best to have an experienced clockmaker look at it. Sorry I don't have a definite answer, but it's one of those things I have to have in my hand.
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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