Posted 9 years ago
Slc2728
(1 item)
I inherited this clock. I believe it was a gift from a WWII officer. I know nothing about it or it's value. It reads Stuart & Shepard and Paris under that. I've searched for info, but found nothing. I don't have keys. Where would I get the ones to fit?
I love the looks of it, but would love it more if I could get it to work! Any info appreciated!
http://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-keys.html
The case style is called Gothic Arch. The movement has an Open or "Brocot" Escapement...named after the French Horologist. Your movement could probably benefit from a good cleaning and servicing.
Wound or not, there's no way your clock can run with its current set up.
You have the pendulum rod pinned to the right (looking from the rear) of the crutch fork. The pendulum rod hook is also hung on backwards. The pendulum should be removed when the clock is moved. You should carefully remove the pendulum, turn it around 180 degrees and rehang it on the suspension spring making sure that the rod goes between the tines of the crutch fork.
Any escapement should be considered fragile and the Brocot is no exception.
Thanks for sharing.
Also, the strike hammer looks as though it needs to be carefully adjusted so that it will strike the gong at the appropriate times. If you want to run the clock, my advice would be to get it properly serviced.
Thanks everyone! Would getting it serviced make it of any value? Where can I get info on a good repairman (Houston, TX area) and info on how to wind and take care of it properly?
I'm very thankful for everyone's help!
You're welcome.
While a good servicing can help restore value lost to poor running condition, it will probably not "pay for itself". You'll pay the repair person to get it running for your own enjoyment. If you're looking to make money, you'd probably be better off just selling it "As Is". That's very generally speaking of course.
Regarding finding a Repair Shop in your area, just do an Internet Search and look for reviews. Spend some time and get a couple of estimates. Ask questions: How long have they been in business? Do they have experience with antique mechanical clocks? How much for and estimate and so on...then go with your gut feeling. You may not know a lot about clocks (yet), you do know people. In that regard it's pretty much like any other service you pay for.
Perhaps we have some collectors in your area who can weigh in with references.
Good luck.