Contact


clock part
Hermle floating balance

Contact me at  ronjoiner@antiquevintageclock.com

I am a clock enthusiast who enjoys collecting and restoring clocks, but I do not offer clock repair services or sell clocks as a business.

Whether you are a novice clock collector or are a little deeper into the world of horology, I will answer all emails promptly although there are times in the year when I am traveling there may be a slight delay in responding to you. For those comments and questions that stump even me, I consult within my clock circle for the best possible answer.

If you would like to know more about your clock or have challenges with a clock you are working on, please include pictures (1 MB or less) in your email to me.

All emails to me are moderated, and will not appear until the author has approved them. Expect a reply within a few days, a week, or even longer during holiday periods.

Please leave a comment or question in the comments section below each post. If the content hits a chord with you hit “like” at the end of each article.

NOTE:

I have a regular blog feature called Tick Talk Tuesday, where I showcase some of the letters I receive from clock enthusiasts worldwide. To protect your privacy, I won’t disclose your name, exact location, or any personal information that may reveal your identity. Instead, I quote your email’s content and may feature any relevant pictures you’ve shared with me. These letters offer valuable insights into the issues and difficulties readers encounter with their antique or vintage clocks. Please note that I may make minor edits for clarity and to improve the overall readability of the feature.

101 thoughts on “Contact”

  1. Hi, Ron ! I’m a clock lover (and small time collector) based in Gurgaon, just outside the capital city of New Delhi, India. My surname suggests that my ancestors were clock and watch sellers but the family lost it’s business due to a profligate great-grandfather, or so family lore says.

    About four years ago I picked up a Mauthe wall clock with a quarterly self-correcting Westminster chime with an art deco exterior and it has given me trouble free service subsequently. Minor adjustments are needed to keep time, particularly since the climate in our part of India can get fiercely hot (usually dry heat but humid in monsoons) and bitterly cold in winter. A bit of tweaking on the pendulum bob keeps the clock going well. Like your mantel piece, the chime gets a bit sluggish after 5 days, so I need to wind it up twice a week.

    The dial has the Mauthe trademark and name, but there’s another separate mark on the dial stating “Gani and Sons, Madras”. This firm still exists and they were formerly importers of quality watches and clocks into India. They still assemble German movement long-case clocks and install tower clocks to this day.

    Last month, I picked up my second Mauthe from Zurich – again a Westminster quarterly chime wall clock – but this is a much larger clock. It travelled as checked-in luggage padded in bubble wrap and surrounded by clothes as further padding (I had no choice !), zipped into a rather large soft bag bought specially for the purpose – I couldnt find a hard bag large enough. Thankfully, it survived three flights and several baggage belts without any damage, and took up poisition immediately. It took about a week of pendulum adustments and now keeps great time.

    This clock, too, has a Mauthe trademark, but it seems to be an older variant.

    I am aware that Mauthe changed their trademark a few times (thrice ?) but I’m unable to gather accurate and authentic information on the years in which these were changed. I’d be able to date my clocks if could get get this, and I was wondering if you would be able to assist me in this.

    I could email or “whatsapp” you pics of both these clocks and specifically the logos if you’re in a position to help.

    For your information, some of the other clocks in my collection, some of which are heirlooms, are two Beaumonts (one is a mantel piece from around 1920, unfortunately this one has a crudely replaced dial and a new case, but retains the original movement, and the second is a wall clock, completely original, from 1915 or so); an Ansonia wall clock with a calendar (1905); another Ansonia (probably earlier than 1900) which stands on a low cabinet but can also be placed on a wall; a new grandfather cased in India and a couple of pocket watches.

    My email is jjghadiali@hotmail.com and I’d really look forward to hear from you.

    Finally, I really like your mantel piece. It looks well-cared for.

    With good wishes, kind regards and many thanks,

    Sincerely,

    Jehangir J Ghadiali

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. Many thanks, Ron, for your offer to help. I have sent you two emails separately with some photographs of both the Mauthe clocks yesterday.

        Jehangir

        Like

        Reply

        1. Hi Jehangir,

          Not much success determining the trademark dates you are looking for but I wonder if you have tried http://www.antiqueclockspriceguide.com/identifytrademarks.php
          There is also a forum (discussion board) connected with this site that might lead you to more information.

          I posted on the http://mb.nawcc.org/forum.php discussion site but I gather there are not many Mauthe collectors however if anything comes up I will let you know.

          Again, thanks for visiting my blog.
          Regards

          Like

          Reply

  4. Hi Ron ….. I have a 1940’s Forestville Chime Mantel Clock, it has a number on the inside of the door at the back 317/5 on the ticket. It has a pendulum but it has no key. Is it possible to get a key and do you know what the clock is worth please?

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi thanks for coming to my blog. First and foremost. Is it a Canadian made Forestville clock, not to be confused with a Sessions clock, made in Forestville Conn, commonly referred to as a Sessions Forestville? Let’s assume you are referring to a Canadian clock. Without seeing a photo of your clock (which you can send to me a ronjoiner@gmail.com if you like) and without knowing the condition of your clock it is hard to determine what it is worth. If it has been recently professionally serving it is worth more.

      317/5 sounds like a production number. It is not uncommon to find such numbers on many clocks. The “5” might refer to the month it was made. Unfortunately there is no available database on the manufacture of these clocks, or none that I have found. When you say, chime are you referring to a Westminster chime. In that case you would have 3 winding arbours (holes to wind). If you have two winding arbours it is a strike clock. My Forestville takes a number 10 key but it is no guarantee that yours takes a 10 as well. You can buy branch-sets at Perrin in Canada or Timesavers if you live in the US.

      Back to what it is worth. Typically these clocks sell for about $100 and more if professionally serviced.

      Hope this helps

      Like

      Reply

      1. Many thanks for your prompt reply. Am sending you some pictures I took of the clock …. it has not been very well looked after but I wanted it for a gift for my son who likes older stuff.

        It does in fact have two holes for winding and I would be delighted if you could send me a key to do that task. It won’t let me send the pictures on here so I will send them in a separate email to you. Looking forward to hearing your comments and whether or not you can get a key for me. Thanks again Valerie

        Like

        Reply

  5. I have this clock aswell WITH the three top pieces and the beautiful carved wood along the top where the finials are with carved I believe rose in the center. The clock is capable of running but is not currently . The back is warped preventing it from continuous running . Any idea of ballpark value of this clock

    Like

    Reply

  6. I am looking for a pendulum for a Pequenat
    Brandon wall clock and am wondering if you can direct me to a place where I might be able to get one. The clock used to belong to my great grandfather so I would like to keep it original. Thank you for helping me with this search. Peter Siemens

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks for coming to my blog. There is no source for original parts for these clocks as the company went out of business in 1941, but you can by a reasonable facsimile.

      Do you mean the pendulum bob itself or the pendulum rod + the bob? The original pendulum bob is 4.35 oz and 2.45 inches in diameter. The closest I can see on Timesavers.com, an American clock supplier, is this:

      http://timesavers.com/i-9994943-2-3-16-polished-brass-finished-bob.html

      This one has a rating nut on the bottom (like the original) to adjust the speed of the clock and it has a brass front face also like the original. It has the correct weight but is a little narrower in diameter than the original but should do fine. The weight is more important than the diameter. Ordering from the States is not a problem though be mindful of the exchange rate and shipping costs which are not unreasonable.

      Once you have the pendulum bob, install it by simply hooking it to the rod. Make sure the clock is in beat, that is you hear a steady, rhythmic, tick-tock. If you do not have the rod, let me know.

      Hope this helps.

      Ron

      Ron

      Like

      Reply

  7. I have a Sessions Westminster Mantel clock I got from my grandmother. It worked up until a few years ago. Don’t know what is wrong but I can’t afford to fix it. I would like to sell it for parts if someone needs it. Have the original key.

    Like

    Reply

    1. I have another article coming on this clock.

      The Westminster A is not an easy clock to work on and many clock repair people do not enjoy working on them because of their complexity. You will notice that it only has two keyholes where most clocks with a Westminster chimes have three holes, one for the time, the other for the strike and the third for the chime. This makes the clock complicated and difficult to work on.

      One reason that your Sessions clock may not be working is that they have notoriously bad clicks and it may be that a simple click repair (the click is what holds the spring when you wind it) is all it needs. These can be replaced quite easily without tearing down the clock.

      If you want to part it out, EBay is a great place. Otherwise you can still sell a non-working clock but you will not get as much for it.

      The third option you have is simply putting it on display as a reminder of your grandmother.

      Like

      Reply

  8. Re: Floating balance
    Hi Ron, I have worked on quite a few of these, and though you can’t repair serious damage done by abuse, I have been successful in a few cases when the balance was no longer floating, or was no longer keeping good time. When the balance is no longer floating, as in your case, and the spring is not straight the this can often be corrected by bending the spring at mounting point at the top upwards, until the spring is perfectly straight. I have found that by doing so, the balance moves upwards and is floating again. Second problem is perfect time keeping from fully wound to almost run out. If the clock slows down while the spring unwinds it is an indicator that the clock has been oiled excessively. The balance mechanism should never be oiled, and neither should the escape wheel pivots and verge pivots. Cleaning those is quite a task because it involves taking the movement apart. Instead of oil, I use with great success dry lubricant Molybdeneum Disulfide with particle size of less than 1.5 microns. The reason why oils can slow down a clock when the torque delivered by the spring drops has to do with the viscosity of the oil. Too long to go into the mathematics of it here.

    Joe.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks Joe. I read your comments and will make some adjustments according to your instructions. Your comments about Molybdeneum Disulfide are most interesting. I am cognizant about the overuse of oil on a clock movement but not aware of the relationship of torque to oil properties. Something to think about. Thanks for your comments, much appreciated.

      Like

      Reply

  10. I have a Hamilton Station Master clock and I am looking for the lower glass panel that has regulator on it

    Like

    Reply

    1. You may have to get it custom made. Glass can be bought at Timesavers or Merrits. Either might even have a decal that might be close to what you require. thank for dropping by.

      Ron

      Like

      Reply

  11. Have a Smiths Enfield, Made in England wind up wall clock complete with pendulum and wind up key. Casing is white painted metal. Year 1952 is crudely scratched into the back. It came from the family farm. Wondering if it has any value? Not sure if it works … not sure how to start (assume hang clock on wall, wind, hang the pendulum and start it to swing?) Do you set the time by pushing the minute hand? Can’t see any rotating device to move the hands. Would appreciate your comments. Can send pictures if I have your email address. Thank you, Jim

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi Jim,
      I would like to see the clock and you can send a photo to my email address. Otherwise, to start the clock wind the arbours and then move the pendulum gently all the while ensuring the clock is level. Generally Smiths Enfield clock will command $125 to $150 and more if it is a wall clock like yours. If it does not start and maintain a beat after you have wound it and moved the pendulum it may require servicing.

      Ron

      Like

      Reply

    1. Thanks for dropping by. I had two, gifted one to my son and it is still working. The other was converted into a quartz clock because I thought the movement was broken but I later managed to fix it.

      Ron

      Like

      Reply

  16. eBay item number:162629682250 crazy clock ad. I emailed them and described what the”real” cost would be and they were adamant about being a “collector” timepiece! No weights,no pendulum,no back door,pointed out “bugs” inside glass for character !Price was a bargain $299.00 now $209.00 !

    Like

    Reply

    1. On a clock like that you might as well part it out and sell the pieces. I would certainly steer away from it. Woodworm (if that is what it is)can be a real problem if not treated properly. You do not want to bring that into your home.
      Ron

      Like

      Reply

  17. Thank-you for your help and guidance in getting my Forestville mantel clock to work. I found your site with a simple search online for Forestville clock images, then narrowed it down to the clock that looked the closest to mine, then hit the ‘visit’ button and voila – After a few technical emails… now the clock is working. My husband says he doesn’t mind if the chimes do not work… so I will just enjoy hearing it tick, and seeing it’s old fashioned loveliness! It seems to be keeping perfect time also. Thanks again, and I hope you will be successful in acquiring the items on your wish list.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Glad to be of help. There is definitely something amiss on the strike side. You may want to check to see if the strike hammer(s) are positioned over the gong rod but not touching. At some point you will have to get the clock serviced however, in the meantime, enjoy your clock.

      Ron

      Like

      Reply

      1. One hammer is a ‘two in one’, and it was up, but the one at the back was down touching the rod. So I tried lifting it, and realized that the little stopper that holds them was working well for the ‘two’, but the stopper wouldn’t hold the back one. I gently bent it (horrors? !) so it will hold it up. But still no chime.

        Like

        Reply


  19. https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.jsHi Ron. My wife and I have inherited a Daniel Dakota wall clock that looks like yours “the one that’s not been converted” except ours says that it a 15 day and not a 35 day. we know nothing about it and since it did not come with instructions are wondering if you would be able to advise us on how to get it working, as in do we just wind it and set the time? or is there other things to consider?

    Like

    Reply

    1. I sent you another reply asking for your question. Ignore that one. If you have the key simply wind it according to the directional arrows after mounting it on the wall. Make sure it is level. Wind each side till it winds no further. One side is for the strike and the other is for the time. You should hear a steady tick tock.
      Let me know how it goes.

      Like

      Reply

          1. Ron our clock has been working great for the last day. But this morning we noticed that it is 3 minutes fast. Us there any adjustments that need done to the pendulum? Or am I to just reset it every few days when I wind it up a few turns?

            Like

          4. Yes, you can adjust the speed by turning the screw at the bottom of the pendulum. Clockwise to speed the clock up and counterclockwise to slow it down. Do it in increments.

            Like

          5. Ron, this evening my wife and I took the pendulum of of her heirloom clock and turned the threaded shaft only slightly counter clockwise and it snapped. My wife was able to carefully set it together that we put it back on but now it’s running pretty fast. If I was looking to replace the pendulum do I ou know what size I should look for? I don’t want to chance taking it off again to measure

            Like

  20. Hi ron. I have inherited my grandfathets smiths enfield. The time is always perfect and stillmis. I had to move house and protected this click with my life. However, sadly the strinking gongs are noy in sync. When it is 7 o’clock it will gong 3 times, 8 o’clock 4 times and so on…please help me…also, where can i find a manual for it so i know how to look after it

    Like

    Reply

  21. Cannot begin to tell you how much i love to receive your blog, really makes my day. Do not get out as much as i would like to. Also a appreciation to your wife to “tolerate” your forays into the clock world , of course vacations around the world i am sure helps a lot!
    Regards
    R Gould

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks Robert. If anything my wife is often the one that encourages me to search out unique clocks. Although I am on vacation in July I will continue to publish articles on a regular basis. I am always looking for article ideas and I wonder if there is anything you would me to cover in a future article.

      Ron

      Like

      Reply

  22. Hello from Costa Rica! I’m happy i found this blog. I recently got a keinzler clock from my grandmother, which was my great grandfather’s. It has his initials in one corner. I would like to know some history behind this model if it’s possible and see how much would it cost to fix if at all. My grandmother loves clocks and i do too but i really dont know anything, i just love to see and hear them. Thank you and sorry for my blabbering, hope you can help me

    Like

    Reply

  23. Hi ron! I recieved a clock from my grandmother that was my great grandfather and was wondering if you could help me date it and see if its worth repairing it, its a Kienzle made in germany. Thank you very much

    Like

    Reply

    1. I am not that familiar with the make but your clock is from around the 1950s and was made in Germany. Unless it has special provenance these clocks do not command the prices they once sold for. My guess and this is just a guess is that it would be worth between $500 and $1000 and perhaps towards the upper end given its condition. Of course, it is only worth as much as people will pay for it.

      Ron

      Like

      Reply

  25. Boa tarde sr. Roin
    Tenho um relogio Waterbury que tem a roda central que se situa no eixo dos ponteiros com um dente danificado. Solicito que me indique um fornecedor para esta peça.
    Muito obrigado
    Jose Cruz

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks for coming to my blog. Unfortunately, no clock supplier will have the exact part that you require. These clocks were made many years ago and there are no longer any parts for them.

      You have three choices, Jose. You can have the wheel repaired. A damaged tooth is not a very difficult job. Two, You can find a donor movement on EBay or a similar site and take what you need from that movement to fix your clock. Your third option is to find a replacement movement that is the correct one for your clock.

      Ron

      Like

      Reply

  26. Hi Ron I am from Northern Virginia. Years ago while living in Germany I bought an old Smith Enfield Mantal clock at a sale. It was broken during a Move and a clock repair person here in the states said he could not fix it. He gave me the clock and the pieces. I haven’t been able to throw it away because I fill the parts can be use to repair another clock. Is there someone willing to take the clock for parts?

    Like

    Reply

    1. As much as I would like you to send the clock to me I am not in a position to accept more clocks I have too many as it is. You can sell the clock as-is and get a few dollars or give it to a friend. I am very surprised that a clock repair person told you it cannot be fixed. These clocks are not that difficult to work on. It may well be that there are some broken parts that cannot be sourced, otherwise if all it needs is a servicing any competent repair person can fix it.

      Ron

      Like

      Reply

  27. Ron,
    Congratulations for producing such an impressive site. Your collection is worthy of admiration. I have always loved clocks but recently expanded it to a passion. I live in Connecticut and want to focus on local historical manufacturers.
    A few questions: How do you find your timepieces? What is your goto references for repair and conservation? Thank you.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi and thanks for your comments. I visit antique shops and search the online for-sale sites almost daily. Sometimes friends and family contact me when they find clocks that they know I am interested in.

      I have a small library collection of about 25 clock reference books. Some are how-to books and manuals for the servicing of clock movements and some are case restoration resources. For case restoration, I highly recommend this book, and for movement servicing, I recommend any of the books by Steven G. Conover.

      Ron

      Like

      Reply

  28. Daniel Calvache, Hi, good article. Do you know where could I but a replacement Escape Wheel for a Schats W3 clock?

    Like

    Reply

    1. I am sure that you have already done an online search. Schatz are best known for 400 day (anniversary clocks) and their ships clocks so you will find many suppliers with spare parts.
      When it comes to the W3 your search just got more difficult. You can check Timesavers where you might find something that will fit. Even if you find one the cost of a replacement will be expesnive.
      You have three options:
      Option #1 Take it to a clock repair person and ask them to service that one part. However, most clock repair persons will want to service the entire movement which might end up costing $$$$. If the clock has sentimental value the cost will not be important.
      Option #2 There are a number of antique Facebook clock sites. You can post the information with photos and appeal to anyone that is either parting out a W3 like yours out or has spare parts.
      Option #3 Check out Ebay for a donor movement and take the escape wheel from that movement. Be careful as early W3s were pendulum driven and not any escape wheel will work.
      Yes, it is frustrating finding parts for antique and vintage clocks which is why many clocks such as these are not repaired.

      Like

      Reply

  29. Hello from Minnesota, USA. I am inquiring about a clock on your website. Unfortunately my family had a clock just like the E.N. Welsh Whittier model Mantel clock listed on your website, but it was stolen from my Dad’s house in the fall of 2018. I have been trying to track it down. It had a piece of paper taped on the back with the history of where it had come from, in my Grandmother’s handwriting. We know that the person who stole it sells things on ebay, craigslist and to antique stores.
    I am wondering when you acquired the clock listed on your website, and if there is a paper on the back, and also how much you are selling the clock for.
    Thank you so much!
    Jennifer Krinke

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi Jennifer and thanks for writing. I bought the clock from a respected antique dealer in Quebec in the summer of 2016. If you search my archives you will see that I have written about it several times since then.

      I appreciate your interest in trying to locate your grandfather’s clock and I am sure you are scouring the online for-sale sites looking for it. Its sentimental value certainly outweighs what the clock is worth. The Whittier is uncommon and they do not come up often on the online sites but now that you have alerted me, I will keep a look-out for it.

      Although I sell clocks from my collection from time to time I had not considered selling this one.

      Ron

      Like

      Reply

  30. What to do with a Sessions Westminster Chime model D that doesn’t work. I like the looks of it. It was owned by my great aunt and uncle. Both were heavy smokers so this thing may be coated in gunk inside. I have held on to it for years but am moving soon. Any recommendations?

    Like

    Reply

    1. Sorry for the late reply as I have been on vacation. You may want to have the clock serviced but it might cost you more than it is worth but for sentimental rerasons, it might be worth the cost. Otherwise, you could sell it as-is.

      Like

      Reply

  31. I have a mystic walnut kitchen clock by E. Ingraham Co made in 1887. It was given to my great grandparents for a wedding gift. Do you have any idea what it is worth?

    Like

    Reply

    1. Clock prices have been depressed for a while now. I see some sellers ask upwards of 125US for similar clocks but often those prices are not often realized. The 100US mark is about what they are worth if in excellent condition. If it does not work, has been modified in some way or if pieces are missing the price will be less. I have seen some of these clocks go for less than $50, sad but it is what it is. Hang on to it, prices will rise eventually.

      Ron

      Like

      Reply

  32. Hi Ron,
    Have a New Haven School house clock, worked fine. I know what is wrong, the pendulum has been swung w/o winding first, it stops and after having done this a couple times it’s not able to be wound or swing the pendulum. Reason I mistakenly did this was to get my grandsons to sleep when spending the night. it worked to get them to sleep and I initially didn’t want to get up and turn on the light and wind it, so it worked well for the few minutes needed to get them to sleep. Only recently realized what had most likely been the cause of it no longer even being able to wind. Ugh! Is there an easy release? My husband is extremely gadgetchy, haven’t seen a repairman of any kind in 40 yrs of marriage. He’s got an engineers brain, missed his calling in life. Repairs any/everything under the sun including cars, washers dryers, vacume, blow dryer, you name it, he fixes it. Please tell me there is an easy fix for this?

    Like

    Reply

    1. Swinging the pendulum without winding will not do any damage. Is the clock in beat, do you hear a steady or even tick-tock? If the beat is not steady the clock will not run. Move the clock to the left or right on the wall to find a steady beat.

      Secondly, if you put the key into the winding arbour will it wind any further? If the clock is fully wound and the pendulum will not swing you may have wear issues with the clock. Sometimes the mainsprings are so dirty that when you wind the clock fully the mainsprings will cease in place. Sometimes there are other mechanical issues with the clock. If this is the case, the clock mechanism needs to be cleaned.

      Ron

      Like

      Reply

  33. Do you have an idea of the winding key size I need for a Seth Thomas pendulum wall clock built around 1912? I don’t have much info but it looks similar to the one in your “Waterbury shot drop” photo.

    Like

    Reply

    1. I don’t have anything on clocks running too fast but it is an interesting topic for discussion. There are many factors, incorrect suspension spring, aftermarket mainspring that over powers the movement, incorrect adjustment of the pendulum bob are three things that come to mind. Thanks for the suggestion.
      Ron

      Like

      Reply

      1. Thanks for your fast reply. Unfortunately, I have pretty much ruled these out. They all appear to be original to the clock. I did clean the springs but kept them. Tried clarities of suspensions and bobs just in case but nothing is slowing this thing down.

        Like

        Reply

    1. Well Barry, you certainly have me beat as I have one Hamilton Clock Co. Steeple and a 30-hour Canada Clock Co. cottage clock. However, I am always on the look-out to add to my collection. Do you have Jane Varkaris and Jim Connell’s excellent book on these companies? BTW I went to the NAWCC discussion board and left a comment.
      Ron

      Like

      Reply

  36. I have the book and a couple of Jims OG clocks (including the one he wrote about for NAWCC mag). I’m looking for a company that can scan in the silk screening on a original CCC glass tablet and to reproduce it. Do you know anyone that can do this? I have a couple of clocks including a “Tilley” that only have plain glass in them.

    Like

    Reply

  37. Good evening, I was just visiting your website and filled out your “contact us” form. The feedback page on your site sends you these messages via email which is the reason you’re reading my message right now right? This is the holy grail with any type of online ad, getting people to actually READ your message and I did that just now with you! If you have something you would like to blast out to lots of websites via their contact forms in the US or to any country worldwide send me a quick note now, I can even target your required niches and my charges are very low. Reply here: Phungcorsi@gmail.com

    Like

    Reply

  38. Hi…I purchased an EN Welch Assortment A No. 2, 8 day mantle clock in November. My boyfriend has gotten it cleaned up and running. We cannot seem to find a date it may have been manufactured. Do you have any idea and any idea what it might be worth?
    Thanks! Marco

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.