Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 5/14/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I was recently given a circa 1910, Ansonia Mantel clock. I was told at the time that it will tick for a few minutes and then it stops. First thing I did was ensure it was level and it does tick furiously, with the pendulum off, but when you attach the pendulum it runs for about 3 minutes then stops. It seems that the pendulum suspension is bent, as when level it is definitely off to one side. Also there is a piece that the suspension threads through, which is also pushing against the suspension. Any easy novice fix for a bent suspension or should I head off to a repairer?
Many Thanks
Jill
ANSWER: Jill: <<<Also there is a piece that the suspension threads through, which is also pushing against the suspension.>>

Bend this wire piece (the crutch) to the left or right slightly to change the balance so the tick is even to both sides.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Many thanks...I have done this and the clock runs for a lot longer, with an even tick tock....but then the pendulum will suddenly just stop! It is quite abrupt, one minute is ticking away and then it literally just stops dead...it runs for up to 10 minutes before doing this.

Answer
Jill: gotta ask if the clock is wound up tight? Then also the hanging wire that has the pendulum bob on it run vertically thru the crutch "foot" and it has to be in the center of the loop of the foot and not rubbing back or front. Bend to fix if so. A little drop of oil on the pallet tips of the verge that rocks back and forth catching and releasing teeth of the escape wheel may help.