Expert: William J Perkins - 8/19/2007

Question
QUESTION: My mother inherited a grandfather clock with Emperor model 100m movement that had been wound too tight.  She attempted to level and get it to run to let the weights down, but the whole works just fell to the bottom of the case and the gears all came out.  Now she is looking for advice on how to put them back together again.  The owners manual shows the assembled movement and how to put it into the clock case, but has no detail of how the gears, springs, etc actually fit together.  

Is there a diagram for do-it-yourselfers somewhere, or what can she do.  She is willing to send the gears and stuff to be repaired, but really does not want to spend a fortune.  Can you help?

ANSWER: The Emperor clock company is still in business and has a customer service division.  I suggest you contact them.  <www.emperorclock.cm>  Frankly I do not believe it would be cost effective to repair this movement.  If you would open the back of the clock so that you could view the clocks backplate, copy down and send me all the information stamped thereon.  With that data I could identify the precise movement involved.  It is quite possible that I have such a movement in my unrestored movements box.  If I do your mother would be welcome to it simply for the cost of shipping.  At least you would have a whole, and possibly running movement.  Regards WJP

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

QUESTION: My mother is very interested in getting a movement that is put together.  Even if it doesn't work, at least a repairman would have something to go with.  

The information that she gave me is as follows:  On the back of the movement is a round stamp that has "77 UHRENFASRIK Germany" then she couldn't make out for scratches - maybe "Cairo or Canara".  

Info on the paperwork she has is as follows:  The dial size 9 13/16 inch wide by 13 inch long.  Diameter pendulum bob 4 inch.  Movement plate size 5 1/8 inch wide by 5 inch long.  Distance from center post to center bob 31 1/2 inch.  8 day, weight driven chain wind full Westminster chime, strike each quarter hour.  Size weight shells 1 1/2 inch diameter, 10 1/2 inch long.  Length hand center shaft to hand nut 1 1/2 inch.  Total weight each shell complete with weight filler 5.5 pounds.

She said she didn't see anything on the actual clock box other than a sticker with the Emperor Clock Company name and address in Alabama.  She couldn't find a way to open the case from the back.

My direct e-mail is mosbymichelle@sbcglobal.net if you would have something available, I would gladly pay shipping if you have something we could work with.  Thank you.

Answer
The information I was hoping for is apparently not available from the backplate of your mother's clock.  You have, though, provided information that might lead me to a solution.  Unfortunately I have not been feeling well of late and am unable to pursue the matter right now.  I WILL get back to you via your e-mail soon.  Regards WJP