Five Bar Mantle Clock - Who/What??

[FoeChristina]

Good afternoon. I have this absolutely beautiful mantle clock that I’m a little afraid to touch. Can anyone help me find the approximate age for this? I think it’s a Kienzle that plays the Westminster chimes and has three keyholes in the face. I also have questions about how to use the clock. I really don’t want to damage it because I’m pretty sure it’s in perfect working condition. Thanks so much for all your help in advance.

 

[roughbarked]

This is a standard clock of the day. There were several makers making chiming clocks of good quality. This like all of them needs a good service but otherwise it looks to be perfectly functional. If you are afraid to touch it, then take it to a competent service person.

I'm only guessing but I suspect this is from the 1930-1940 maybe as late as 1950. I don't see the words Germany or Kienzle anywhere on the clock in your photos. I also don't see the word foreign. I suspect that you may be correct that it is a Kienzle but I'd need to see the movement out of the case to be more certain.

 

[new2clocks]

I don't see the words Germany or Kienzle anywhere on the clock in your photos. I also don't see the word foreign.

The clock could have been made pre-1926 for the U.K. market, which would not require the term 'Foreign' or the country of origin. If so, I do not believe the clock was made much earlier than 1925.

I agree the clock is most likely Kienzle. Mauthe is also a possibility.

Regards.

 

[JTD]

has three keyholes in the face.

The three 'key holes' are for winding the clock. The middle one winds the time train (the spring that keeps the time going), the other two are for the chime and the strike respectively.

You can wind them all up and give the pendulum a nudge to set it swinging - the clock may start. Let us know if it doesn't.

To set the time, move the minute hand round, stopping at each quarter and the full hour, to let the mechanism chime on the quarters and strike on the hour, until you reach the correct time. (There are other ways to do this, but that is the most straightforward for someone not used to how a clock works).

As has been said, it likely needs a clean and service, so don't run it for too long before getting it looked at by a professional.

JTD