You are here:

Clocks, Watches/Montgomery Wards Grandfather Clock

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/9/2011


Question
Hello,

I have an older model Montgomery Ward Grandfather Clock that I broke the suspension spring on.  It did work prior to that and I would love to be able to fix it.

Can you tell me where I might be able to purchase a suspension spring for this clock? It's model is 451-053, but to be honest I'm not sure which part number it has.  There was an Owner's Guide booklet that came with the clock, but none of the model number pictures match the exact clock I have.  There are five pictures on the front of the owner's guide with the following part numbers listed: CPM 9087, CPM 9099, CPM 9088, CPM 9084, CPM 9096 or CPM 9097.

Please let me know if you can help me get a suspension spring for a clock of this type.

Also, do you have any idea when this clock may have been manufactured?  I think it was in the 1970's but would love to know the year.

Thanks,
Judi

Answer
Judi, the 451-053 was made by Hermle for Montgomery Ward.  If you look at the information at the lower right corner of the back plate of the movement, the first line should have 2 digits.  "78" would mean that the movement was manufactured in 1978, etc.  The 451 did have a few different revisions.  Clock suppliers such as Timesavers (Google Timesavers or 1.800.552.1820) have different suspensions springs for the 451.  I will check and see what I have in stock.  I'm pretty sure I know which one it is.  But I can confirm it if you can send me a couple of clear photos.  One would be the back of the movement and the other of the broken suspension spring with the two pieces together and the hanger (that's the piece that hangs between the suspension spring and the pendulum).  If you could put a scale next to the suspension spring that would help me determine the correct unit.  Then I can give you the details.  My email address is below.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

klokdok@juno.com

Note concerning questions not related to Allexperts:  Because of my commitment to answering Allexperts questions within a prescribed time limit and the large backlog of clock work at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis, other than Allexperts follow up questions.  I will try to answer these emails as soon as I can. Thank you for your patience.  

Clocks, Watches

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.