Expert: John Newman - 6/21/2007

Question
Hi John

My Great Uncle sadly died last month, he left me 3 clocks in his will, two are working well but i am having problems with the third. I have looked it up on the net and it appears to be a Gustav Becker Vienna regulator clock (p64 - 1796761 on the back) it has two weights and a pendulum. My dad took the weights and pendulum off to transport it and I think I have put it back together correctly but I have no knowledge of clocks so i am not really sure.

It is a really beautiful thing but it only works for about 5 mins when you swing the pendulum. I haven't wound it but the weights are high (almost touching the dial)so it appears to be wound up.

My uncle always had it working so either its been damaged in transit, or i haven't put it together properly, or it needs a clean ( the case was very dirty which i have cleaned but i didn't dare touch the mechanism)

Any help or advice on getting it working would be greatly appreciated.

I think its about 1880 in date would that be correct ?

How much would it cost to get it cleaned ? and what value should i insure it for ? the top looks to have been replaced but apart form that its in lovely condition.

Thanks

Paul

Answer
Paul, on a large number of the European regulators, the weights were the same and it did not matter which side they were hung on.  If they are different, this would make a difference.  However, I would first look for a couple of things.  First check to see if the weight cables (or gut) are wound on the drums evenly so they are not tangled or crossed.  It doesn't matter if they are at the top or the bottom of the wind, as the weight is still the same.  Then look at the back of the movement to see if the pendulum hanger assembly is correct.  The different makers had configurations that varied, but you want to make sure the suspension spring at the top has not been crimped or broken.  Also check to see that the pendulum is hung correctly on the suspension spring or sometimes an intermediate hanger.  Either the pendulum or the hanger should interface with the crutch coming out of the back of the movement that is either a thin strap or wire.  The next thing to look (or listen) for is the beat.  It should go "tick....tock....tick....tock".  If it goes, "tick..tock......tick..tock", it is out of beat and will most likely stop.  To correct this, move the bottom of the clock toward the side that has the shortest beat, until you hear an event beat.  Do not be concerned with the clock being level.  The even beat is the key.  If the clock is running reliable but is really off level so it doesn't look good, then it is probably best to have an experienced clockmaker look at it to adjust the verge assembly.   I cannot help you with the dating or value as I am not a certified appraiser.  It would be better to get an antique dealer in your area to give you that information.  As far as cleaning, shop fees vary greatly arond the country and you will have to get some local estimates.  If there is no one near you, I do work on clocks customers send in.  If you can't find anyone, I'll give you my rates by email if you want.  Try the things above and see if you can get it going.  Good luck and let me know how it goes.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Historic Downtown Prattville
Alabama