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Question
I was given a beautiful grandfather clock but i know nothing about it,and it does not work.There is 1 chain off and you can not pull the others down.I would love to get this clock back running if you know anyone in my area i would appreciate your advice.Demopolis Al.Thanks!
Charlene, I do not know of any clockmakers near you. I live in Prattville, just north of Montgomery and occasionally have to take factory authorized service calls over to the Mississippi line, due to the lack of clockmakers in that area. If you will look on the back plate of the clock movement, you will find some stamped information. That will give me the model number and I might be able to help you more. Also, let me know which chain is off as you face the clock. Send it to my shop email address below and I will send you some diagnostic information to determine if you can get your clock started or if it might need service. I will be on vacation away from Allexperts for up to a week, so I possibly will not be answering Allexpert question during this time. It depends on my Internet connectivity.
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.
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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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