You are here:

Clocks, Watches/pearl grandfather clock model 456-6860

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/1/2010


Question
My mother-in-law has this clock that was made 5/84. It has 1 large weight and 2 smaller weights. It has been in storage for 4/5 years and we don't have any keys to set the weights and it obviously is not running. We live in Ga 30 miles from Chattanooga,Tn on I59, 8 miles from the Al border. Can you please recommend someone that can repair this clock.
Thank you!!!!

Answer
John, I do not have any of my Internet Clocksmiths members near Chattanooga.  Is it set up other than not winding and do you know if anything is actually wrong with it?  You did on give me the model number of the movement (all the information found on the back plate of the movement itself), but generally on most clocks the heavier of the three weights hang on the right side as you face the clock.  If you can give me the model number of the clock movement I can determine which winding crank you would need to wind the cables.  I do not have cross reference information from the clock models and the movement models.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Clocks, Watches

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.