Jammed mechanism

Last Edited By Krjb Donovan
Last Updated: Mar 11, 2014 07:38 PM GMT

QuestionEdit

Tempus Fugit Clock

I just purchased a clock from a local antique store & I kno nothing about it. On the front of the face it says Tempus Fugit inside a globe (Phinney Walker under the XII)& it stands about 6 ft tall. Im not sure if its a grandfather or grandmother clock but I got it home & tried to get it to work & it seems as if the mechanism is froze. It has 2 weights inside the clock, on either side of the pendulum & 3 chains. Is there any way to fix it on my own or would I be better off taking it to a repair shop?

AnswerEdit

Hi Theresa,

I'm sorry it took me so long to respond. It is a very busy time of the year. My apologies.

Tempus Fugit means "time flees" or "time flies." Many clocks have this saying on them. It is good to remember that times goes by and we need to make the best of our time.

From the photo it look like what is called a 'grandmother' clock. That is usually based on the height of clock and the movement inside.

It should have 3 weights. The left is for the striking of the hour, the middle is to run the clock itself, the right (which is the heaviest weight) is for the chiming of the quarter hours.

As the clock stands now, (according to the photo), the clock will not run because the time (middle) weight is not attached. It has no power to run the clock. The weight is the power that runs the clock.

My opinion is that a clock repair person should be called in to clean and oil the clock. You also need a weight.

The repair person will come to your house and look at the clock movement to determine what repair the clock needs. A good cleaning is probably in order first. If the movement is badly worn you may either need a new movement or a complete overhaul of the movement.

By the way, I love the pipe wrench. I also do oil burner repair work so this photo represents my talents :>)

I hope this has helped you a little.

Marilyn The Clocklady 631-816-0431

Advertisement

©2024 eLuminary LLC. All rights reserved.