bangor clock works grandfather clock

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 1:15 pm     Post subject: bangor clock works grandfather clock

Have a vintage late 1800's Bangor clock works grandfather clock. I'm not sure what made it run , but it has wires that look like they hooked up to a power source , and several coils in the clock movement. Is there a battery available that would run this thing.? Any help with this would be appreciated.

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 4:37 pm     Post subject:

The wires you are referring to sound as if they might be weight cables (which would hold the weights). If this is the case, then you probably have a mechanical movement rather than a battery operated (Quartz) one. If it is mechanical, you should be able to wind the clock movement through the dial (or clock face) in order to get the clock running again. In most cases, winding arbors will be located just underneath (and to the right/left) of the center hand shaft. Keep in mind that there are movements where you are required to physically raise the weights - however this would be denoted by the weights hanging from chains rather than cables.

If that doesn't help, you could consider having the movement looked at by a professional clock repair person. In many cases, old mechanical movements will function after a good cleaning and oiling - that is if the existing movement is (in fact) a mechanical. A good way to tell is that mechanical movements will not require any sort of battery (or plug-in cord) to power the clock. Instead, the clock must be physically wound, and the pendulum and weights will help the clock to run continuously (usually around 8 days - depending on the movement).

You could change the existing movement to a quartz (battery-operated) movement - - but some may consider that comparable to trading a Lexus in for a Yugo. I would see if you can make the original movement function for you (or maybe even find a manual for it).

Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:54 am     Post subject: Bangor clock

Although the description is vague, there is the possibility that this clock might be a master clock such as was used in schools and factories. If so it could have been powered by telephone type batteries or other external power source. As always, a more complete description and/or pictures would be helpful in identifying this clock, (the Bangor name is unfamiliar).

I would only recommend replacing the movement as a last resort. To do so would destroy any antique value the clock has.