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Clocks, Watches/Forestville mantle clock
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Question
Firstly I would like to thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge. My vintage 40's Forestville mantle piece chimes and dongs always 4 min past the 1/4 and hour. How do I adjust this or is this something that a pro needs to do?
Chris, without a model number (sometimes these were not on this era clock) or a photo, I'm going to guess at the type from a 1930's clock I am familiar with. If it is a strike only clock and not a chiming model, it would strike out the hour count and once on the half-hour. If it is a chiming clock it would chime on every quarter and strike out the hour. If it is what I am thinking, it would chime 4 minutes past each quarter. If it is the hour and half hour strike, it would strike 4 minutes past the hour and half-hour. To correct the problem, stop the clock. Turn the minute carefully until it strikes the hour (4 minutes past as you said). Remove the hand nut and the minute hand. Observe the position of the minute hand before removing. As the hand is on a square handshaft, the hand can be put on in four positions, and only one is correct. There should be a small brass bushing on the back of the minute hand. Using a good pair of pliers, use them to hold the bushing with the hand at a right angle to the pliers (This keeps you from pinching your fingers if the pliers slip). Grasping the minute hand with your other hand, carefully slip the hand back what you think is about 4 minutes. It's a good idea to grasp the hand minute hand near the center to avoid bending or breaking the hand. Reinstall the hand in the same position from which you removed it and check it to see if it points to the 12. If not, go through the procedure again. When it looks good put the hand nut on and tighten it. Reset the time and let it run. If you find it is still off a little. Go through the procedure again until you are satisfied. If you have any more questions or if the configuration of the clock is not as I have described, get back with me. If you can, send me a clear digital photo of the hands on the clock. My shop email address is below.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
Note: Because of the number of Allexpert questions and follow ups,
and the excessive backlog in my shop, I regret that I can only answer
the Allexperts related questions in a timely manner.
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Answers by Expert:
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)
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