Herschede Christopher Columbus - 1980s

[gentleman jim]

I have been gifted with this clock. It is missing the pendulum. From searching the web it looks like a silvery metal rod with a plain brass bob would be appropriate. Can anyone provide pictures and/or dimensions? Sorry no pictures at the moment I am replacing the ugly plastic used to retain the glass throughout the clock and its resting on its back for better access. The ugly plastic is held in place with staples and has softened to the consistency of caulk. Thankfully the weights and tubes were present.

 

[Dick Feldman]

Hello Jim,
The pendulum from your Herschede is going to be unique to Herschede clocks. One cannot just hang any old thing on the clock. The silver metal part is made from a special metal that has a low coefficient of expansion. I think the metal is called Invar. The brass bob is just that and is particular to Herschede clocks. Herschede used a couple of different pendulum styles in that period but I think most were based on one design. Used Herschede stuff comes up on eBay on occasion or you might try Griffins: GRIFFEN'S CLOCK PARTS AND SUPPLIES LLC
Griffins has most of what remains from the original Herschede Clock Company.
A very few, minor pieces are available from the normal clock parts suppliers.
If your movement is from the 1970's-1980's era, you can expect the movement to be quite worn if it has not been properly rebuilt. Herschede made 5 tube clocks, 9 tube clocks and some with only two weights that were time, chime and strike. A proper rebuild on a Herschede movement of that era will probably run $1,000 or more. Pictures of the movement will help greatly. Herschede movements are quite complex. If you re inexperienced with clock repair, that is not a good movement to learn on. To be done correctly, that rebuild is quite complicated.
Another concern with Herschede clocks from that era is cracked chime tubes. Normally, if they are cracked you will see those cracks in the tops of the tubes. Depending on the severity, the cracks can sometimes be contained. If the tube or tubes are cracked severely, it will affect the sound. New Herschede tubes are not available to my knowledge. Occasionally, I see used sets (normally with some cracked tubes) for sale on eBay.
The good news is that Herschede clocks are of very high quality. The case work is unprecedented and the materials used are top quality. The chime/strike sound from Herschede tube clocks is tremendous and Herschede clocks are a treasure.
It will do you well to find a qualified clock repair person to help with your venture.
If you cannot justify the expense of bringing the clock back to its former glory, you can probably part it out. Herschede parts are in demand and will bring a relatively high price.
Best Regards,
Dick Feldman

 

[TEACLOCKS]

Do you Know the Model # of the case ?

 

[TEACLOCKS]

Herschede Christopher Columbus & Other Info Needed

I'm looking for info on the Herschede Christopher Columbus, such as what years they were made, and any catalogs for the Herschede clocks toward the end. I don't normally go for later model clocks, but I really like this one, (and all the Herschedes). I'm also...

mb.nawcc.org

 

[Dick Feldman]

Do you Know the Model # of the case ?

Model #106
D

 

[gentleman jim]

Do you Know the Model # of the case ?

The model number of the case is 5941, assuming this number stamped on the back panel is the case number. There is also a 25, and a 106 (the model # of the clock). I also have the original booklet which came with the clock.

 

[gentleman jim]

Dick, thank you for the information. I am an experienced clock repair person and have worked on 9 tube clocks, previously. This is my 1st Herschede 9 tube and will most likely be a keeper. I am capable of of creating a copy of the Hershede pendulum and am looking for length, diameter, weight, etc. Surely the early Herschede clocks were wonderfully made. I would rate this one as a great movement in a so-so case. Cheers, Jim

 

[gentleman jim]

Dick, thank you for the information. I am an experienced clock repair person and have worked on 9 tube clocks, previously. This is my 1st Herschede 9 tube and will most likely be a keeper. I am capable of of creating a copy of the Hershede pendulum and am looking for length, diameter, weight, etc. Surely the early Herschede clocks were wonderfully made. I would rate this one as a great movement in a so-so case. Cheers, Jim

 

[Dick Feldman]

I think you were gifted with a pretty fine clock.
If the information I found was correct, the case is walnut.
Herschede was known for using quality lumber in their cases. Maybe the case style does not fit your likes.
I will take pictures, measure and weigh the pendulum from my clock within the next day or so.
I will post those pictures, etc.
Some clocks came with lyre pendulums but that was an addition to the normal pendulum assembly.
I have never been impressed with the their lyre pendulums.
We deal with all levels of clock repair people on this board and sometimes the caveats need to be posted because of the safety of the clock as well as the person working on the clock.
Best,
Dick

 

[Dick Feldman]

Dimensions of Herschede pendulum
Over all Length, suspension to end of regulating thread: 46 3/4"
Diameter of adjusting screw: 01165"
Diameter of adjusting nut: 07540"
Dimension of Brass piece at suspension spring: .632" X .3415"
Diameter of beat adjusting wheel: 1.3745"
Dimension of Invar pendulum rod: .620" X .20"
Pendulum weight: 4# 3oz.
Best Regards,
Dick

 

[gentleman jim]

Dimensions of Herschede pendulum
Over all Length, suspension to end of regulating thread: 46 3/4"
Diameter of adjusting screw: 01165"
Diameter of adjusting nut: 07540"
Dimension of Brass piece at suspension spring: .632" X .3415"
Diameter of beat adjusting wheel: 1.3745"
Dimension of Invar pendulum rod: .620" X .20"
Pendulum weight: 4# 3oz.
Best Regards,
Dick

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Dick,

Thank you. This is very helpful.

 

[J. A. Olson]

A breath of fresh air amid the endless sea of Howard Miller & Sligh.

No. 106 'Christopher Columbus' had a cherry case available in light or dark finishing. There were many options with the later Herschedes including an ornamental vial pendulum, lyre add-on to the standard round pendulum bob, polished brass or nickel plated tubular bells. 5941 and 25 correspond to lot or cut numbers which may be archived in more detail at Griffen's Clocks.

Seems Dick Feldman's memorized the essentials for repair and got you on the right track.
I hope your clock's restoration goes smoothly. It's a later Herschede but one worth restoring.

 

[Dick Feldman]

Seems Dick Feldman's memorized the essentials for repair and got you on the right track.

Did you think I was just another pretty face?
D

 

[J. A. Olson]

Certainly not. I think we all appreciate the contributions of members who are well experienced in one or multiple fields of horology.
I give all I can in the field of chime clock development and tuning new rod chimes, having started my work over 10 years ago.
It would be great to make new tubular bells to replace tubes that have cracked beyond repair.

Everything is essential to resurrect a clock. Whether it's overhauling movements, refinishing cases or dials, refurbishing chime instruments or anything else that must be done - everything's a trade amongst itself and the best clock factories had a balance of workers skilled in every field required. Herschede knew their stuff when it came to horology and even touted the history of clockmaking in their older brochures.

One more note on the Herschede serial - the late movements from 1982 onward had a serial starting with A64 which corresponded to changes in the movement design. Very few of these were made because they came out right before Herschede ended production of complete clocks. As Jim's clock does not have a serial that begins with A64, it would have been made before 1982.