You are here:

Clocks, Watches/Moving a grandfather clock

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/13/2010


Question
I inherited a 1970 Daneker President clock.  I need to get it from Minnesota to Arizona. Can it be laid down and shipped? Taken apart somehow to fit in a car? What is the best way to ship?  thx   Jon

Answer
Jon, it is okay to transport the clock flat on its back.  I am assuming this is a weight driven clock.  However, some Daneker clocks were spring driven.  If this the case, disregard the information on the weights and chains or cables.  To transport you want to remove the weights and pendulum and pack them separately.  Put some type of foam between the the chime rods and secure it so the chime rods don't vibrate which caused them to break off.  Secure the chime hammers with foam, lightly attached rubber bands or cord to keep them from banging around.  I don't know how the weights are hung, but the chains or cables need to be secured to keep them from becoming dislodged or tangled.  That should do it and if you have any more questions, get back with me.
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.