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Clocks, Watches/pendulum wobbles right before stopping

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Expert: - 9/6/2010


Question
Hi, I recently bought a Herschede Sheffield 230 9 tube grandfather clock. It won't stay running after moving, and the pendulum wobbles right before stopping. I hear the tick tock when it is running. I leveled it to my best too. Try to find out why it does this. Thanks a lot.

Answer
Darrell, when a clock is moved, the problem that is most common is that the escapement has been knocked out of beat or the suspension spring has been damaged or out of place.  Leveling a clock will not necessarily bring it in to beat if it was knocked out.  You want to listen for an even tick tock.  However, the pendulum wobbling is probably the result of a damaged suspension spring.  I believe your model has a suspension spring (black leaf spring) attached to the pendulum with a screw.  The top of the spring is attached to a device with two brass knurled round nuts with pins on each side.  The pins rest in the bridge on the top back of the movement.  The bridge has two pieces on the back with v-grooves.  The pins fit in the v-grooves.  Look at these things and let me know what you find.  If you need a photo of the bridge and suspension spring configuration, contact me at my shop email address below and I will reply with a photo.  My shop computer has been out for a month restoring from a virus but I am getting up to speed now.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com  

Clocks, Watches

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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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