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Clocks, Watches/My grandfather clock won't chime
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Question
Hi! My 1980's grandfather clock keeps time well and the pendulum works. I am able to pull the left and middle chains and the weights go up as they should. However, I cannot pull the right chain down to make the right weight go up. It seems to be stuck in place. My chime switch is not in the silence position. What do you think is wrong? What can I do? Please help! THANKS!
Angela, this is an unusual problem in that it doesn't happen very often. You did not tell me what model the movement is (information found on the back of the movement plate) which sometimes helps in identifying problems indigenous to certain models. Just thinking of some past history, the chain could be twisted and jammed on an adjacent part. Also the arbor (shaft of the chain wheel) could be frozen (rust or corrosion) so it doesn't slip around to allow the winding. Another possibility is that the click mechanism is jammed. I cannot think of anything to tell you to do. It would be best to have an experienced clockmaker look at it. If this is not possible, I might ask you to see if you could take some photos of the chain wheel from the right side of the clock. This will be rather difficult to do with the movement in the case. If you could find the model of the movement I can take a photo of a similar movement to show you what I would need. Let me know.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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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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