Grandma's Clock
Hello. Looking for some information on my grandmother's clock that was given to me. Pretty sure it came over from England in late 1890's when her parents came to the States. My initial research and FB postings inform me this is Black Forest clock from 1830 - 1840 time. It does not run. I can start the pendulum, but it won't stay running. I have the key and tried to wind the left side. It was tight and maybe that is normal, but I only wound it a couple of clicks to be safe. The right side was tighter and I did not try to force it. I manually moved the pendulum back and forth for about 15 minutes and both dial hands moved that amount of time, so that part is working. The pendulum just won't stay running on its own. Does it need more winding?
A relative to it to a clock repair shop and they told her $800 to fix and only said a part was missing. I really want to get this running. I don't know for sure if anything is broken or missing, how can I tell. I'm a long-time machinist and pretty handy. Is there anything I can do or should be looking at to get it running? Or keep my hands off and let a professional fix it? $800 to fix it seems like a lot. What is the clocks value.
Thanks in advance for any assistance!
Chris
It is a nice Beha clock in very good condition with some nice inlay work on a simple case. I feel for you and the issue your facing as with so many clocks that are found not running because at one time someone over tightening of the springs. What happens then is that the old oil over time gets thick and sticky on the springs windings. And when they are over tightened the spring windings actually will stick together and the spring loses its function. I have tried to get a small amount of WD40 in the spring barrel to loosen up the old oil and free the spring. In some cases you can’t find an opening in the spring barrel to apply the WD. As far as the clock running in most cases you can’t find shim the case on the clock to find the right angle in which the clock will continue to run. Use some pieces of cardboard to find the right angle. When you do get it running run down the spring all the way until the clock stops.
If it all works out the just give the clock at least 5 winds to run it, good luck 👍🏻