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Question
I have a Ridgeway Grandfather clock that was purchased in the early 70's. It's either a E or G movement from Western Germany that is weight driven. When it chimes on the hour the chime continues and the weight on the left side as I face the clock keeps dropping slowly. The only way I have found to stop it is to remove the left weight from the chain. If possible, could you give me an idea of has caused this problem?
Leonard, the causes of a continuous strike (chimes play the quarter tunes and are driven by the weight on the right (as you face the clock). The major cause of the continuous striking is that a pin on what we call the warning wheel has broken, or sometimes there is some misalignment of the strike levers. One cause that happens occasionally, is that the weights are switched and the heavier weight is on the strike side, causing it to run with too much power and it will pop one of the levers off the stop pin. A general rule for weights on a Westminster chime is that if one weight is heavier than the other two, it hangs on the right side (as you face he clock) and if one weight is lighter than the other two, it hangs on the left. I hope this helps and if you need any more help, get back with me.
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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