Cannot get our grandfather clock to start

Question

QUESTION:  A friend of ours recently presented us with a beautiful Grandfather Clock. We did a lot of searching, to find out how to move the clock, as we knew that it was extremely delicate. The pendulum was removed and properly packed separately. The weights were removed (first marked so that they could be put back in the proper place). The chains were taped to the inside back of the clock so as not to bounce around and break the glass. I hand made a case out of OSB, lined it with styrofoam so that the clock would be protected from the elements and damage from moving around. It was transported in and all moves were made in a standing position. The clock was never laid down. We got the clock home, leveled it where it is going to be standing, and then we replaced the pendulum and weights. I gently pulled the chains to wind the clock, never forcing and stopped when I felt the slightest tension. Then I moved the pendulum to hopefully start the clock. I am unable to get the clock to start running. NOTE: This clock also has the stuff at the top, i.e.: moon, ship, etc.

What I have been able to find on the clock to help you.

    1.   On the face of the clock is LeGant
    2.   On the back of the case is Montgomery Ward, 9093, manufactured by: Piper
    Industries., Jackson, Mississippi
    3.   After opening the clock, the first thing I saw was 10AS (the S is in a circle). 
    This was stamped into the piece that holds the chimes.
    4.   On the actual clock workings is stamped:

I Hermle (very hard to read - hope this is what it is) made in USA 451-059H 94cm 66

Do we need to replace the workings or how can we get it to start. We would just like to see the beautiful thing run.

NOTE: I have 4 pictures of the clock and the workings. I will be glad to forward once I get an actual e-mail address - the attach an image would not accept.

ANSWER: I commend you on the thoroughness of your homework with respect to moving your clock. The only thing I see you might have missed is not securing the pendulum leader to prevent it from swinging. That being a possibility I would suspect the clock is out of beat. Even so your clock has an automatic beat adjustment which should have normally restored it to beat by your simply starting the pendulum in motion. To properly start the clock you should move the pendulum bob to one extremity or the other, far right or far left, and simply release it. Normally the clock would come to beat by one such cycle, if it doesn't try it again. If it still does not work, grasp the pendulum at its lowerest extremity and swing it back and forth in an arch equal to the diameter of the pendulum bob while pulling downwards with a force of about a pound. This action should cause manual setting of the beat. If this fails to do the job the clock probably needs cleaning. If it is not a beat problem then we would need to consider other possibilities. If so it would be helpful to know the following. Was the clock running properly up to the time it was prepared for moving? Was the clock out of service for an extended time, i.e. several days or more. When was it last serviced? Were any irregularities noted in its operation prior to the move? When we make a better determination It is quite probable that replacing the movement with a new but identical movement might be the most cost, and cosmetically solution. You would end up with a better clock than when it was new and still not effect it's future antique value. I hope I have helped you by these few preliminary comments.

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

QUESTION:  I ordered the kit as you recommended, however, it came with only instructions to oil it. It did not come with any instructions as how to clean it before oiling it. Also, it came with all kinds of instructions and names of things that I have no idea what they are - like wheels attached to pivoted arbors????? pivoted arbors inserted into holes - what holes, cannot find any. A cup by these holes?????? Clock wheels - I have no idea what a clock wheel is. Escape wheel teeth????? And what would an escapment pallet be????

Winding ratchets, rack teeth, barrel teeth, chime barrel teeth. Main springs, wind up - need to be greased????? What do they look like?????

I am able to take extremely close up pictures of both sides, back and front, but am unable to use your link to attach pictures. If I could get an e-mail address where I could send these attachments, I am sure you will be able to help me get this beautiful clock up and running. Do you by chance have any diagrams of the workings with names of the parts so that I can find what I am looking for?

Answer

Oiling a clock is relatively a simple thing and is the owners first line of defense towards meeting the most basic needs of a clock. Cleaning is another matter entirely. A proper cleaning requires the complete take down and re-assembly of the clock. Oiling the clock does require the movement to be removed from its case. To do so is not a great job. Basic instructions are; Remove hand and hand nut,

                         Remove Pendulum and weights
                         Disconnect movement from seat board
                            That entails the removal of
                            two bolts.
                         Remove movement from clock case
                         Carefully lubricate clock per kit
                         instructions.
                         Reverse procedure to complete.

As for the nomenclature of the clock, you can readily access this type of information from any basic clock repair book. Example, The Clock Repair Primer by Philip E Balcomb. However, I do not believe you need such information. The information provided by your clock lubrication kit should be wholly sufficient.