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Clocks, Watches/Briton Grandfather clock
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QUESTION: Hi John,
)
I have a Briton grandfather clock manufactured by Carolina Clock Collections I believe they are out of business). It's a 3 chime model plus silent mode. It's about 7 years old and has been working well up until a couple months ago. Sometimes it chimes and other times it doesn't. It does still keep great time however. When I look into the mechanisms, it appears that one of the hammers are stuck in the "about to strike" position. Following the manual, I lift all the hammers at the same time with a pencil to free the time train. It chimes a few more times after that but then goes silent again. What can I do to get her chiming again and if it needs servicing, what can I expect the approximate cost to be.
Thanks,
ANSWER: Hi, Conrad. I believe you are correct, all reports are that they are out of business. I have worked on some of their clocks and was in contact with them before they stopped making clocks. I have recommended that clocks be serviced every 7 to 10 years, because the lubricants become old and gummy. If everything was lubricated properly, there are probably no worn parts on your clock. The chime is the first to show symptoms of unreliable operation, and since the strike is dependent upon the chimes working, they will fail accordingly. I would think that a field cleaning and lubrication would take care of the problem. If you have the proper lubricants you can do it yourself and I would be glad to send you instructions and some photos. The front and back of the movement needs to be lubricated and this requires the removal of the dial. Depending on the way the clock was constructed, it might can be done without removing the movement from the case. If you have an experienced clockmaker do it you can figure on about one hour + travel time and mileage. In my area this would equate to about $150. With the different rates all over the country, this could vary quite a bit. I have heard estimates from $75 to $450. There are some clockmakers that will not work on a clock in the home and require that they remove the movement and take it to the shop. It just depends on the way we all work in different parts of the country and the way we take service calls. I know this is a little sketchy, but hope this helps a little.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John,
Instructions and photos would be great. Looking at my model, it appears that the entire movement would have to be removed from the case. I do have access to both sides of the clock through the doors but no access to the front behind the dial. if the lubrication is straightforward, I'll attempt it but if it entails taking the clock apart, I'll leave that to a professional.
Conrad, I apologize but I did not ask you to reply to my shop email address for the photos and the instructions. I cannot send all of that on the Allexperts forum field. Address below.
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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