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Clocks, Watches/Hamilton floor clock pendulum

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Expert: - 7/7/2010


Question
I received an old Hamilton floor clock, and unpacked the pendulum and weights. The manual diagram shows the pendulum hanging from something that is suspended from a suspension spring at the top, and also shows behind this "hanger" a pendulum leader with a balance wheel on its bottom end which seems to have a short bar sticking through a hole in the hanger from which the pendulum is suspended.  These parts (the hanger and the balance wheel) are missing.  Any ideas where I can buy them?  Info on back of movement is: 72, Made in West Germent, Unadjusted, 510050, 85-CM (there is a line under the 85-CM), 70.77

I am stumped.  Can you help me?

Answer
Jackie, I am on vacation but answering my Allexperts questions.  I actually thought I answered yours before I left, but indications are I did not.  I apologize.  I will have to research it when I get back to my shop Monday and I will get back to you.  I think I know what the part is and am rather sure I have them.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Most of the model information you have given me indicates the movement was made for Hamilton by Hermle, but the numbers don't quite compute correctly.  Could you check again?  Could it be a 451-050?  If not would you verify your numbers?  Also it would help if you sent me a photo of the back of the movement in the case and I could see what is missing, or a scan of the manual showing the page with the parts.



Hi, Jackie.  I received your feedback and I realize you were disappointed in my response.  I would like to apologize for the way in which the answer came to you.  I did check and I had answered the question but it did not get out to the system.  I did find it and resent it when I was on my computer again.  I had asked for some aditional details to identify your movement, which has to be done quite often.  I don't have all the different specs of information concerning the thousands of clock movements in my head.  I tried to make it as clear as I could.  Again I am sorry and I'm glad you found the part.  If you have any more questions, get back to me.

John Newman  

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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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