Expert: William J Perkins - 5/30/2007

Question
I recently purchased a Welby westminster mantel clock that is not working.  The movement appears to be fairly clean and does not appear to be missing any parts.  It has an oscillating lever escapement that will turn back and forth for about 10 seconds then stop.  The chiming mechanism goes to the "alert" position at the quarter-hour points, but the chimes do not follow.  Can you give me any tips on getting this movement to work or point me to a guide on how to take it apart?

Answer
The condition you describe of your floating balance would cause me to believe the lubricant has become congealed.  The cure is a good cleaning.  If you plan on attempting this job yourself, study up on floating balances.  These are tricky little devil's.  There are a number of sources avilable with relevant information.  To suggest but one, <http://home.earthlink.net/~atmosman/earthftp.html>  Click on #51.  Although the subject is for Hermle, your balance is essentially the same.
The condition you describe with regard to the chime, i.e., it cocks but does not release, further solidifies my opinion as to a need of a good cleaning and associated adjustments.
I wish you luck, WJP