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Clocks, Watches/Japys Broscot Parts

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Expert: - 2/21/2011


Question

Verge
In one of my best moves I was looking over a old Japys clock. I removed the verge & put it in a plastic cup for safe keeping????
I then managed to drop a tool on it and broke the little "pin"off of one end of it.
Is it possible to replace this pin or can the whole verge be
replaced?
Thank you
Dennis Gates

Answer
Dennis, there seems to be a problem with my Allexperts hookup.  I had answered your question but it is still on the queue.  The synthetic ruby can be ordered from clock supply houses.  For a Jappy clock it would probably be difficult to find a verge to match your clock. The pallets have to be aligned and secured with shellac or one of the more modern adhesives.  The original process for shellac is to use shellac flakes and heat with an alcohol burner.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentI have had help from John before and have found him to be very helpful. I am just a beginner at the clock repair so I am frequently stopped by my lack of knowledge. He has been very helpful in the past and hopefully in the future. thank you very much. Dennis Gates


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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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