Expert: William J Perkins - 4/12/2010

Question
I have a mantle type clock that is broken. It is a type that sits on a stand and the clock rotates around between three posts. I have the back of the clock and the crystal, but there is some other part missing. The hands just spin around whichever the clock is rotated. No jeweler or repair service in this area will touch it. I would like to know where I can send it to get repair.

Answer
Could you send me some digital picture of your clock.  Based upon your description I suspect your clock is a variety of what is called an anniversary clock, also known as "the Horolovar 400 day clock.  At one time, the 40's thru the 60's these clocks were extremely popular and were common anniversary gifts.  They would be wound once a year, usually on the anniversary date.  Unfortunately they fell out of favor, largely because the clock repair industry failed train on how to maintain and repair these clocks.  Most repair persons simply ignored them so never learned how they functioned and more important how to keep them going.  Frankly, I rather enjoyed working on them.  In general they were very well made.  Today it is rather difficult to find a shop even willing to examine one, let alone doing repair.  If you don't have the ability to take pictures, make some rough sketches.  Pay particular attention to any logo's or data that might be stamped on the works.  Send such data and attachments to my e-mail address <flashpowder@hotmail.com> use anniversary clock as subject.  Regards WJP