Opinions Please

Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:51 pm     Post subject: Opinions Please

I have a freind that is looking at a New (old stock circa 2002) Howard Miller Grandfather clock that is on a terrific sale. It has a unique feature that shuts the chimes off at night mechanically. All the ones I've seen used a battery powered circuit to do this job. I think it's a keininger movement, but I'm not totally sure because I can't see it without removing a glass side panel and I don't want to do that in the store.

I've always had some issues with Howard miller, but this one is truly a real beauty. It has very nice beveled glass everywhere with an oval glass in the door with a carved groove all the way around. Just beautiful!

Are Howard Miller cases made of solid woods or are they very good at disguising particle board to make it look like real wood?

The weights and pendulum have some very nice scroll work on them and it appears thet they are actually stamped into the brass rather than just being a plastic overlay. It's hard to tell but could these actually be metal?

I want my friend to make a wise decision and any help would be appreciated!

Jim

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 1:24 pm     Post subject:

I have seen some Howard Miller clock cases fabricated out of solid wood, and I have seen some fabricated out of composite wood (MDF – or particle board, and Plywood veneer). From the glass despcription, I am willing to bet that this may be solid wood material (with possible exception of the case back panel, floor panel, and case top panel).

An important side note: Particle board is not a bad material (and tends to be stronger than solid wood itself). Granted, it is not a desirable material. But with the new types of finishing processes, you may be hard pressed to differentiate it from solid wood.

Most "authentic" floor clocks will feature a mechanical movement (typically made out of brass), with brass pendulum and weight shells (as well as other metal materials, obviously). Many mechanical floor units will have the night silence feature, and may even have a chime selection feature (with up to three different chime/tune selections).

The cheap grandfather (floor) style clocks made in China, available at certain discount stores - which shall remain nameless – for under $300, will typically include a battery operated movement (as well as fake pendulum and weight shells).

I can not see said clock, and do not know its price. Therefore, I could not say if this was a deal or not - - but it does sound like the real McCoy…

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 10:30 pm     Post subject:

Keinenger movements are really nice , i prefer them to Hermle.
gp for it.