250+ year old Grandfather clock question

Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 12:10 am     Post subject: 250+ year old Grandfather clock question

The grandfather clock in question was brought to America from England in the 1700's. To transit across the Atlantic, my great-great-whatever grandfather cut the case into three pieces and reassembled it here in America. It has been in that condition ever since.

I am now inheriting the clock and it needs to be shiped to me. The courier companies are refusing to ship it because of it's size, and the one company that would ship it wants $500. I am wondering if the case could be taken apart into three pieces again and reassembled without doing too much damage to the wood. My only other alternative is to rent a van to go get it myself.

Any shipping alternatives or suggestions on breaking hte case into three pieces again would be greatly appreciated.

Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2008 6:55 pm     Post subject:

Although doubtful, you could inspect the case to see if the case would still lend itself to being disassembled. Given that this was a great, great, great, (et al), grandfather clock, it may be that the clock case parts were not secured with modern day fasteners (like screws).

Actually cutting into the case to create three modules may require advanced woodworking capabilities for re-assembly. Since this is probably an antique, I would rule this out as an option.

Shipping is always going to be an expensive option for an oversized item such as this. Furthermore, finding a reliable shipper who will take measures to ensure no shipping damage is another factor to contend with. I think that the best option is to pick it up yourself. Several blankets could be laid down in the back to help create some padding for the trip. The clock case could be wrapped in some padded blankets as well, and then laid down on its backside. If there is a mechanical movement inside the case, you will want to try to do the following (simply as general precautions):

1.) Remove the weights one by one and label (example: right weight as I face the front of the clock). You can use blue (painter’s) masking tape - and simply adhere this temporary tag to the bottom of the weight. If you have old socks, you may place the weights into them (to protect against scratches).

2.) Remove the pendulum and wrap in a towel for transport. Boxes are nice as well - but a towel will also do in a pinch. Try to make certain the pendulum can lay flat during transport (so it will not bend, etc). The pendulum will be attached to a metal rod/hanger commonly called a pendulum leader. You can place a piece of blue masking tape over that as well (to help prevent the pendulum leader from swinging erratically during transport).

3.) Tie the chains/cables. The weights hang from either chains or cables on typical grandfather mechanical movements. You can tie these chains/cables together with a rubber band. In most cases, you may be able to tie that rubber band (with another band) to one of the hinge barrels of the door assembly. This will keep the chains/cables from flopping around and marring the interior case finish.

4.) Make certain the movement is secure within the case. There is not a need to over tighten anything (in regard to movement mounting screws), but you should check and make certain nothing is loose.

5.) If your movement has chime rods, you may want to tape cardboard to them to keep them from jiggling the entire trip. This is purely from a sanity stand-point (especially if you are in for a long trip).

A few other important notes:

Do not transport the weights and pendulum inside the clock case as you travel.

Blue masking tape is a special masking tape that will not leave behind adhesive residue if left on a surface for prolonged periods. It can be a bit expensive, but is worth it for the long haul. It can be found at local stores and hardware retailers.