Mystery lever on Grandfather Clock

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 10:56 am     Post subject: Mystery lever on Grandfather Clock

Referring to an old GF Clock it has a string hanging down on the right side from the movement. (looking at it from the front) It is non locking and when pulled it operates a lever which causes the chimes to sound with the hourly gong at the same time. What is it for? It only plays Westminster. I thought it may have been to silence it. Also how should the time be set. Should the hands be moved backwards. Will it sort itself out with the correct hour and/or the correct quarter hour chime. Also I assume you should never move the hour hand on the shaft as that would confuse it as to the correct hour. Any assistance would be welcome.

Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 9:23 pm     Post subject:

The string is probably there to set the hourly chime count. The movement you have probably does not have the automatic feature. It probably has a count wheel. When you set the clock, simply turn the minute hand forward until it reaches the correct time, and then pull the string and let it chime out each hour until the chime sequence catches up with the current time. Many old German clocks had such strings attached, and many American clocks had a wire hanging down which is pushed up to accomplish the same thing.

Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 5:11 am     Post subject:

Adding to wow's info, this string is also used as the "silent" mode for these old German GF's that lack on/off levers. There should be a ball or hook on the end of your cord, and corresponding hardware on the right side of the cabinet to secure the cord to - thus silencing the chimes. Your clock may or may not have it, but the same feature is often found for the strike side.