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Clocks, Watches/re Harrington Grandfather Clock

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Expert: - 10/3/2011


Question
I have had my Harrington Grandfather clock for 23 years purchased new in 1991 without any mechanical problems once. The hour chime at 8am ( the first hour chime of the day after being on night off )is chiming 13 times instead of 8. All the other hour chimes are correct. I feel it is probably an adjustment but not sure how to do it. Could you kindly assist.

Many Thanks
David Ahern
5 Rushmore Avenue,
Canning Vale,
Western Australia 6155

Answer
David, the dial would have to be removed to see what is happening with the strike mechanism.  If the clock has not been serviced in the last 7 to 10 years the lubricants could have become gummy and/or parts could be worn.  I have a feeling that as the night silent mechanism is switching to chime, it is slightly out of adjustment.  The adjustment is rather complicated, as it requires more than one checkpoint to correct it.  I have done this, but so seldom that I have to have the clock in front of me and educate myself each time.  If you can tell me the make and model of the movement itself, I will try to see if I can find a procedure for doing this.  Give me all the information that you find on the back of the movement.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

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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