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Question
I have a Schmeckenbecher wall clock two of the three weights don't fall but the middle weight which I guess works the hand movement does fall as the clock does keep good time .any suggestions on what might be wrong with the clock would be greatly appreciated
John, this is a common symptom with clocks. First, you are correct in that the middle weight powers the time. The right weight powers the chime and the left weight is for the strike. When any of these functions are not working, the weights do not drop. Also for the strike to work, the chime has to complete the hour cycle. So the symptom points to a problem in the chime. The first thing to do is to check the hanging position of the weights. In most cases, the right, or chime weight is heaviest or one of the heaviest weights. It depends on the model of the movement. If that is correct, it could be that the lubricants in the movement are old and gummy and/or some parts are worn. If the clock hasn't been serviced in the last 7 to 10 years it would be time to have that done. This includes cleaning, inspecting for worn parts and fixing them, lubricating and adjusting the movement. That's about all I can tell you, except one thing I forgot to mention, and that is to check for a silent lever on the face of the clock. If it is in the silent position, it will do exactly as you describe above.
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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