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Clocks, Watches/grandfather clock chain

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Expert: - 10/31/2011


Question
Had a house fire about a year ago. Just got my furniture back from storage and the chains on my Ethan Allen Grandfather clock two of the three were broken. One with the hook that holds the weight is broken in half and that half is gone. Where would I purchase replacements? Clock: Model 08-3801, Movement - E, Finish 229, Serial 11193.  Back of movement plate: UW 32/1, 246124

Answer
John, that movement has been superceded by Urgos #32319.  I'm not sure which chains the original uses.  Is it possible for you to measure the links per foot?  To do this you would count the links inside the 12" marks of a scale.  It could be that there is a half link in there also.  Make sure the links are squeezed together and not stretched.  This can make a difference in the count.  Also, let me know how long the good chain is.  Some of these are rather difficult to find.  I might have some in my old parts.  The old links might have to be used to make up the required length. If you will send the information to my shop email address below, I can give you some details.  

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.)  

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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