Expert: John Newman - 5/5/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have just purchased a Ridgeway model 138 clock, the movement is E, the finish is prov, and the sr# is 424. The pendulum rod is missing but other than that it is in extremely good condition overall. Do you have any idea on it's age and where I could pick up the pendulum rod and maybe a parts breakdown? I have the disc that is below it and I do not think any other parts are missing. Thanks for your time.
Gary

ANSWER: Gary, I answered your question, either on Allexperts or by email.  Either the Allexperts answer did not go out, and my emails crashed and then restored with quite a few I haven't been able to find.  It was a rather long answer.  If you didn't receive it I will answer again.  Basically I said that I do not have any information on Ridgeway clocks prior to 4 digit model numbers.  The "E" movement is not listed in my Ridgeway Technical Specs and movement identification book.  I have the last published copy before they went out of business.  I would need to know the model of the movement which can be determined by all the information on the back of the movement plate.  If it is a Hermle, there are standard assembled complete pendulums or the pendulum sticks with the top hook, threaded rod and rating nut.  Once the bob is identified as far as the diameter, top slot width and the bottom slot configuration, the proper stick can be chosen for a clock supply house catalog.  In some cases, it might be best to just purchase the complete pendulum.  The other movement possibilities would be Kieninger or possibly Urgos.  These pendulums would have to be made up by a clockmaker familiar with the parts and timing process.  Send me the model of the movement, and if you can, a clear photo of the back of the movement showing the suspension spring and the hanger from which the pendulum hangs.  My shop email address is below.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)  

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

QUESTION: Thank you John for taking the time to help me. I found some information on the movement. It is an Urcos mech. serial number 408850 and I believe that the model number is jw32/1a or uw32/1a. The first letter is not printed very deep. The disc on the bottom is brass outside and plastic on the backside and 4 1/2 inches in diameter. I am guessing that it took a wooden rod as the hole on the top is a rectangle about 3/4 inch across and the hole in the bottom is small, about a 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Any help is appreciated. I was wondering if it is worth the cost or repairing the clock. I have no idea on its value. We will using it in our home so I guess the value is not that important.
Thank you again
Gary

Answer
Gary that movement number UW32/1 converts to an updated number, UW32319.  This indicates a chain-drive theoretical 80cm pendulum length which swings at 4320 beats per hour.  I can get pretty close to it, possibly with some help from my Internet Clocksmiths Group.  I don't have one of those in my shop right now to test so I could determine the length.  It would help if I can get photos of the piece on the back of the clock movement from which the pendulum hangs and one of the bottom slot in the back of your pendulum bob.  Can you send me that?

John Newman