Grandfather clock weights

QuestionEdit

QUESTION: My father received a grandfather clock for retirement about 35 years ago. It was shipped to me after he passed away and the weights were lost. It is a modern clock, purchased through Ethan Allen. The face says Western German. I have purchased new cylinders but have no idea how much weight to put into them. Can you help? I can send more pictures if that helps. The back of the clock is screwed shut and it appears that if I unscrew, the entire movement is attached to that back. I am afraid to take it off.

Thanks,

Wanda

ANSWER: If I knew what numbers are stamped on the back of the clock movement I could tell you the recommended weight for each side. If you can't provide the numbers I'll give you some guidelines. Most grandmother clocks use 4.5 pounds for the center and the right side (time and strike). The left side as you face the clock is the chime side and it needs the most weight: 6.6 pounds. Usually the weight shells are about 1-9/16" in diameter and about 9" to 10" long. A solid steel insert should weigh about 4.5 pounds. To get 6.6 pounds inside one of these shells it pretty much has to be solid lead. The idea is to use as much weight as it takes to get the clock to run properly but no more. Too much weight will cause the clock to wear out prematurely. Weight inserts can be purchased for these clocks.

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QUESTION: Hi, Thanks for the quick response. If I can get my son to help me unscrew the back of the clock and get the numbers, are you for hire to make up the weghts for me?

Thanks,

Wanda

AnswerEdit

The chime block might be attached to the back of the clock via 4 screws. You don't want to remove those screws or the block will fall down inside the case. The movement is usually attached to a seat board, not the back of the case. Let me know if you need help getting inside. Yes I will help you find weights if you tell me what is stamped on the back of the movement.

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Hi - I have a hermle 451-050H 94cm movement and the weights were lost for it. Do you know where I can buy replacement ones - I need all 3. thank you.

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Hi, Nancy. You can purchase weight sets from clock suppliers. In choosing weights you need to know the dimensions and weight of each one. Most of the original weights for the Hermle 451 were 47mm in diameter and 274mm long. The strike and time weights were 4.4# each and the chime weight was 6.6#. You can purchase the weight sets (3 each) from clock supply houses. Each weight consists of a weight shell, caps, rod, top hook and bottom nut. You then have to choose the lead fillers to make up the required weight. You also have a choice of polished brass finish or brushed satin finish. The clock supply houses vary their stock but you can check with them for availability. Some I use are Timesavers, Merritts Antiques, R %26 M Imports and Black Forest Imports. You can Google them by their names or just look under clock supplies. I do have the made up sets, new or reconditioned in polished brass or satin brushed finish. If you want some more details, you can contact me at my shop email address below.

QuestionEdit

Hi Steve - I have a hermle 451-050H 94cm movement and the weights were lost for it. Do you know where I can buy replacement ones - I need all 3. thank you.

AnswerEdit

You need to order part HW47 (2) & HW66 (1) from Black Forest Imports. These will be correct for your clock. If you need brushed brass instead of polished, add "B" on the end of those part numbers. https://www.blackforestimports.com/ItemDetail.asp?varImageName=39&subcat1=39&cat=PARTS%20_%20ACCESSORIES&subcat=Hermle%20Parts&arrPages=39,40