Expert: William J Perkins - 4/11/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a ridgeway grandfather clock and the chimes stoped working and the repair man said the lever that chnges from chime to silent is wore out and the clock could be overhauled. I wonder if i can buy an whole new works for the clock the model no is SJJ LDiaJR3 Movement HJ Serial IAJ2588J Model HJHB-MKB movement BINI89H 00AH

ANSWER: I need some very specific information from you.  The information I require is stamped upon your clock movements brass backplate.  Copy down this information and send it to me.  NO OTHER INFORMATION WILL SUFFICE!!  That information will provide data to acquire a precise replacement.  Truthfully I think you are looking at this very objectively.  I urge all my customers to consider a new higher grade movement as opposed to repair.  You end up with a much better clock than when it was new at a lower cost.  I can't resist making a comment.  I have never heard of chime on off lever wearing out.  Send me the requested data and we will see what we can do.  Regards WJP

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

QUESTION: The model no on the backplate is SJJ
Movement  HJ  HB/MP
Serial NO 2588J
Dial R3

Answer
Contact Mark Butterworth at Butterworth Clocks, Inc of Muscatine Iowa 52761.  Mark is the largest distributor of mechanical clock works in the USA.  He has an 800 number, but I do not have it in my current files.  He is also available on WWW.  Regards WJP