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QUESTION: I have a 1980's ST grandfather clock that has not been run for 13 years. I got it started, keeps great time, but the chimes/gong do not work. Gears move but R/L weights do not move. What can I do? Movement is A403-029 Thanks, Bev
ANSWER: Hi, Bev. It could be that there is a silence lever that is in the silent position, and that needs to be moved to the chime position. Some clocks also had transporting levers that were held against the chime and strike levers. Check to see if anything is constraining them. Over time the lubricants in a clock movement will become gummy whether the clock was run or not. This will cause functions of the clock to stop. The weights power the time, chime and strike. The time weight in the center is dropping as it provides power to the running of the clock. As the chimes and strike are not working, the weights remain stationary. The clock should be cleaned and oiled, and being run for 17 years, it should be checked for wear. You could oil and grease the movement, but that would involve removing it from the case to do the work and then reinstalling it and realigning the chime hammers, etc. I do have a general labeled photo which shows the lubricating points and also instructions for lubing a clock. Right now my shop computer is being worked on by my computer guy as it got hit with a virus. All of my photos and instructions are on it. But let me know what you find on your clock, and in the meantime I'll see if I can get my computer back.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Have already cleaned and oiled what is available by moing off the bonnet, as well as put the lever in chime position.
Would appreciate the diagrams when you get your computer back Thanks, Bev
It was supposed to come back today, but I was told that there are still some glitches but maybe tomorrow.
John newman
Bev, contact me at my email address below and I will send you my instructions and photos.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)
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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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