Expert: William J Perkins - 3/22/2010

Question
Hi - we recently purchased a grandfather type clock from an estate sale - it is running well, however it did not come with instructions and we would like to know how to set the lunar dial on it....it is a Colonial of Zeeland clock - we do not have any other details other than the serial number......Can you help?

Answer
I always suggest owners set these dials the cowards way.  In other words the least technical way.  Use a calendar showing moon phases or your local weather report that gives moon phases.  On the day of a full moon rotate the moon dial so that it is exactly in the center of its window.  To rotate the moon dial, open your clock case so that you can apply pressure with your finger against the back of the moon dial.  Using finger pressure from both sides turn the rial.  If the dial will not turn that mean the dial is in  the process of ratcheting forward.  If that condition exists, stop trying to rotate the dial and wait about six hours and try again.  By that time the clocks own ratcheting forward will be completed.  Incidentally, always move the dial counter-clockwise.  Regards WJP