Need to move inherited grandfather clock

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:40 am     Post subject: Need to move inherited grandfather clock

I need to move this grandfather clock this week and am hoping to get some pointers and info on this particular model. The little understanding I have of it is that it's a mid 1800's English clock. The clock maker is Wilson Fairbank Bradford.

I've taken some pictures. I know nothing about clocks and want to make sure I don't do something stupid when I move it. It seems there are 3 major sections: the top "cover" (top wood part & door with glass), the mechanical portion of the clock (it seems like it may come apart in one piece) and then the large bottom wood section.

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 1:49 pm     Post subject:

Some general tips:

1.) Mark the weights as you face the front of the assembly (left weight/right weight as you face the front), and then remove them. Transport them separately, outside the case. Tie cables/chains up so that they are not flailing around within the case during transport.

2.) Remove the pendulum. You can box it or carefully wrap it in an old towel. Transport this separately, outside the case.

3.) Make certain the movement is secured on its mounting board (or secured to any other board that it may be mounted to).

4.) Use masking tape to tape across the crutch arm to keep it stationary during transit.

It is nice that you can remove the hood portion to package separately. You may wish to consider placing a bag over the movement if you should trasnport the case with the hood un-mounted (to keep dust out of the movement). Just some thoughts...

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 5:24 pm     Post subject:

Now that's a CLOCK !
I think Chris has told you what you need to know about moving the clock,
I would just add be careful with the case, these clocks are now getting on a bit - - - yours is around 1860 to 1880, at least 130 years old, and fragile.

the glue in the joints of the case can be non-existent, and any rough handling will result in some damage - - - -

When you set your clock back up after the move you will need to set iti "in beat" If you are o.k. with that fine, if not look at my post in Mechanical clocks, "setting a clock in beat" there should be enough info there to enable you to get it running again in it's new home.

Your clock is a late one in grandfather clock terms, it was made around the dates I mentioned above, by this time grandfather clocks were being bought by wealthy manufacturers, with large houses to put them in, and the clocks grew in size to impress the buyer's friends - - -

I have no information on the maker, my guess is that Wison Fairbank of Bradford, Yorkshire was the retailer of the clock not the maker.
It was very common for the retailer to have his name on the dial at this time.
Good Luck with the move,
Andrew.

http://www.clockmakersandrepairs.co.uk

Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2011 10:58 am     Post subject: longcase clock

Yes it is a mid/late 19th century example. Moving a grandfather clock is not as bad a job as you think. We have comprehensive setting up instructions on our website, which you will see below. One thing, I would always let the clock wind out before moving and taking the weights off. Getting the lines twisted around the barrels can be a pain in the neck trying to sort sometimes. Do you regularly oil the movement. I suggest using a light swiss clock oil and you can apply this to all pivots etc with a fine artist brush. Clocks should be regularly oiled, about once every year or so.

Regards,

Daniel
http://www.pendulumofmayfair.co.uk/[url]