Howard miller grandfather clock

Question

hi- I am moving from the USA to England and am trying to find homes for all of the things that are impossible to bring with me...one of which is my clock. It was purchased in the early/mid 1980's from Hitchcock Furniture in Connecticut. I can't find a model on it and i've been searching online for a picture of a similar one so i can research it's value. it has "moon phases" on top and has a beautiful sound. it is 6ft 8 inches high. inside is a plaque that reads: Howard Miller, Zeeland, Michigan, Reg. Serial Number 581812 If you can point me in the right direction for finding the name or model number i can then try to research it. thank you very much. Day Seriani

Answer

Day, I believe your Howard Miller clock is a 610-366 Saratoga. TO verify, the dimensions are 79-1/2" high, 23-1/2" wide and 13-1/8" deep. It is difficult to determine the value on what I consider modern production clocks (WWII to the present) because there just isn't any published information on the values. It depends on the selling price of the clock, the condition of the movement and the case, and the economy and demand in the area in which you are trying to sell it. Sorry I cannot help you more, but maybe this will help a little.

Question

I have a howard miller grandfather clock that I inherited. It was a gift to my parents in 1984 and has a serial number of 610-299. I have tried to search for this clock online by model number, the howard miller website, and by pics of the clocks on their website but have been unable to find anything more about this piece. I would like to know the name of this clock, its value, and so on. I hope you can help me, and if you need anymore info about this clock, feel free to email me, and I'll supply as much info as possible. thank you for you help, Tom Smith

Answer

Thomas, the only catalog information I have on the Howard Miller clocks is from 1990 to present. None of my research comes up with that model. As I have explained in my Allexperts personal information and my answers to the questions, I am not a certified appraiser and do not give clock values. Sorry I could not help you.

Question

I recently bought a Howard Miller Grandfather clock. Model number is 660-256 Serial # is MF1090150026. The clock says Limited Edition by the Moon dial. Can you tell me what year this was made and the model name. Can't find anything on the internet.

Answer

Try e-mailing The Howard Miller clock co. custserv@howardmiller.com

I didn't know that I was suppose to be an expert on Howard Miller clocks. I am a clock repairman. I can fix any of them but know nothing about howard miller or any other retail clock co, other than they are making clocks cheaper and more crapy every year.

Question

QUESTION: My Grandfather clock does not chime at all.I was in a hurry one day and wound the clock forward after which I remembered I was suppose to go backwards or counter clockwise. The middle weight drops but not the left or right weight now and no chiming at all.I sure would love to hear it chime again.Thank you I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

ANSWER: Theresa, there are a couple of different thoughts on the direction in which to set a clock, It really depends on the clock. There area some older clocks that cannot be turned backwards. Most of the modern production clocks can be turned either way. If turning forward, it is best to turn it lightly because the clock will start chiming while you are setting it and the chime mechanism can lock and stop the hand. If this is the case, just move the hand back a little and then forward. In your case, now that you have a locked condition, look in the top of the clock from the back or side panels and see if any of the chime or strike hammers are not in alignment at rest about 1/16" away from the rods. If they are, gently pull back on all the hammers of that side. On the chime side you might have to rock the chime drum (round cylinder or cams on the back of the clock) a little forward and backward. If this doesn't do it et back with me and we'll see what else we can do.

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

QUESTION: Dear John, I rocked the chime drum ect.still no bong and a little chimes at different times.No sequence.A little more info. I've had the clock for about three years and it's a Howard Miller Filmour Floor clock.Thanks again for your time and help.

Answer

Theresa, there are a few things that could be wrong, but I'm at a loss right now. Would it be possible for you to send some photos to my shop email address? I would like to see one of the face of the clock, and some of the back of the movement, directly from the back if there is a panel to remove, or one from the right side door in the hood and one from the left side.

(General Note: Due to the commitment I have for answering Allexperts questions and follow-up information, and the excessive backlog at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer other questions from this email address in a timely manner)

Question

QUESTION: I have a Howard miller grnadfather clock. the chime is off by a quarter hour. It will chim the hour at 15 minutes past. How do i adjust it to be correct? Also how often should the clokc be servcied?

ANSWER: Remove the hand nut and minute hand from their shaft. Replace the minute hand back on the shaft to a position 15 minutes earlier. Replace the hand nut. Set the clock to the proper time in the usual manner. Your clock should have an automatic adjustment feature to correct this deficiency. The fact that feature has not engaged leads me to believe your clock needs cleaning. I would suggest you have the clock inspected every two years or when something irregular occurs, (such as the chime going out of sequence) whichever occurs first. ---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It would seem that rather than try to adjust the clock I should have it sinspected. How do you recommend that go about finding a reputable person to inspect my clock? Isn't there an organization of service professionals that repair clocks in the US. I live in Ohio.

Answer

The best recommendation I can make for you to locate a qualified clock repair person is for you to go to the web site <local.com> This takes you to a screen that asks you where you want the services performed and, what service you require. In your instance you would enter the community in Ohio you reside or wish services to be rendered. Then as service required, enter, clock repair. Upon entry of that data you will be presented a listing of clock repair providers in your area. As to selecting a provider from that list, ask your friends and neighbors what they know about any of these folks. Also call those that appeal to you, ask them where they received their training and whether or not they belong to any horological groups such as, American Clock and Watchmaking Institute, The National Association Of Watch %26 Clock Collectors, The British Horological Society, Etc. While belonging to one or more of the professional organization does not assure competency it does demonstrate a dedicated interest. Above all when you do select a clock repair person go to the trouble to have a clear understanding as to what you expect of each other.