[pookie]

In 1977-78 my dad was stationed in Germany. He bought this clock for my grandparents, they recently gave it back to him, and like all good parents when I go to visit he cleans out his garage with all the junk he no longer wants. I remember the clock from being a kid at my grand parents. Neither my dad or I know if it even works, but where do I start seeing if this thing even works? Rough estimate that the clock was purchased in 1977 from the base exchange at Rhein Mein AFB.

Sorry for the crappy phone pics.

[smdubovsky]

If you need it fixed, I know Stan Stocker. Maybe you could call him and see if he'll help over the phone.
http://stansclockshopva.com/

[RENN 951]

These people were written about in a recent article in the Washington Post: http://theoldclockworks.com/about-us/

From their website it looks like they should be able to help you.

[good hands]

Originally Posted by pookie

but where do I start seeing if this thing even works? Rough estimate that the clock was purchased in 1977 from the base exchange at Rhein Mein AFB.

Sorry for the crappy phone pics.

Not sure what it takes to see if it works. It should have chains to pull or a wind up mechanism for the springs.

[Vicegrip]

Not an uncommon or too complex of a clock. Cant tell from the pix but i suspect it is powered by two weights on chains. If so I would hang it about 6 feet off the floor and carefully string the weight chain One is for the movement and one for the cookoo and bellows. Ilunless it was subjected to a lot of use or harsh storage conditions I bet it will run and keep time. One part that tends to suffer over time are the bellows. The tend to crack and fail along the folds over time. Some call the 15s 30s 45s and count the hours some only the 1/2 hour and the hour count.

[pookie]

This one has 3 weights. I'm taking it home, and we leave today, so I'll let you guys know after I get it on the wall. Thanks for the help.

[Dandelion]

FWIW, these are typically not very high quality movements. Yes, they can be repaired, but they are often balky, and hardly ever keep decent time.

As for value...the most important one it has is sentimental.

ed

[Vicegrip]

looking at from a full screen mon rather than a tablet I can see the chains and also that it has a balcony which likely has some little people that go round as the clock chimes. (might be powered by the 3ed weight) Let it run a day or two before ajusting or better yet clean or have it cleaned before ajusting the time keeping. Often times many of the pivot points are simple rod and hole rather than shaft and bushing. they rely on a little oil to reduce friction. This oil can gum up over time. Removing the old gummed up oil and reoiling the many little bearing points in the movement and chimes can make for a nice evening spent. the movements are often simple to remove from the case. once clear of the case the movment can be degreased and oiled with less effort. Take care around and with the bellows. I have been able to repair split folds on bellows using silicone sealent by placnig a very thin line on one side of the split and then pulling the other side to it holding in place with thin strips of low tack painters tape. (I suspect this is not likely want a clocksmith would do but it did work and for many years)

[pookie]

Kurt it does have a small shelf with people on it.

Got it home and got the back off. One of the chains wasn't looped around its spool so I put that back. Here are a couple more pics. I'm hanging it after I get Mini-me in bed.