Ingraham Mantle Clock ca. 1920 Regulation

[RexinMinn]

Last year my sister moved and wanted me to have our dad's mantle clock which apparently had been in the family since before he was born. The case I believe was stripped and refinished and it looks really good, quarter-sawn oak, beautiful grain. It has an Ingraham movement and is quite attractive for this style mantle clock. We took it to have cleaned and regulated and two new springs were installed, one for the movement and one for the chime. Our clock man explained how to regulate and he gave me the tool required for doing so. I made an adjustment on it two weeks ago and now cannot get it properly regulated. I believe the gears associated with the regulating device are stripped. I'm considering replacing the bob with an adjustable bob but am unsure of just how to go about getting the proper one, I see they are listed on ebay. I have located another clock man who thinks he can replace the gears for the regulator. Have already invested a considerable sum in this clock and am a bit hesitant to spend more on it if an inexpensive adjustable bob will do the trick, just not as convenient as adjusting it from the front. The bob is not easy to reach, so spending the money may be the best thing. I'd like to know what others think would be the best course to take. Please see photos of this beautiful clock.

 

[wow]

Here’s one from Merritts that should do it

 

[PatH]

Our clock man explained how to regulate and he gave me the tool required for doing so.

What a lovely family heirloom! What type of tool did your clock man provide to regulate the clock? Does the clock currently run for an extended period, or does it stop quickly after you start it? Thanks!

 

[RexinMinn]

Here’s one from Merritts that should do it

View attachment 731068

Looks good to me. Would it be best if I weighed the existing bob first for comparison purposes or isn't the weight as important as the size? Thanks very much for posting this!

 

[RexinMinn]

What a lovely family heirloom! What type of tool did your clock man provide to regulate the clock? Does the clock currently run for an extended period, or does it stop quickly after you start it? Thanks!

It actually runs all week and then some. Yes, thank you, it is a beauty. It would have graced the mantle or a table at the old family farmstead in Medford, Wisconsin where my dad was born. It may have been ticking away in the living room of the house where my great-grandfather Gustav Hamann's life ticked away after being gored to death by a bull in September 1921. He apparently died after the doctor got him onto the family's dining room table, presumably for proper examination...but alas there was nothing that could be done to save him. Who knows what else this clock has seen...As for the tool the clock man provide it's a small brass "fitting" with the opening for the shaft on one end and a slot for a screwdriver on the other, about 1/2" long. I appreciate the reply and kind words.

 

[PatH]

I think many of us wonder about the stories that our clocks and watches could tell - if only they could talk. Enjoy!

 

[JeffG]

...or isn't the weight as important as the size?

The weight isn't as important as you might think, but it needs to be in the ballpark. The size just needs to fit in the case, though, a similar distance from the suspension hook to the middle of the bob would simplify regulation for you.
One thing that is very important if you end up taking it in for service is to make sure that both you and the repairperson regulate the clock on a very level surface, side-to-side and front-to-back. If the shop's bench is a little off to the left, and your cabinet is off a bit to the right, your clock will be "out of beat" and run slightly differently.
-Jeff

 

[RexinMinn]

The weight isn't as important as you might think, but it needs to be in the ballpark. The size just needs to fit in the case, though, a similar distance from the suspension hook to the middle of the bob would simplify regulation for you.
One thing that is very important if you end up taking it in for service is to make sure that both you and the repairperson regulate the clock on a very level surface, side-to-side and front-to-back. If the shop's bench is a little off to the left, and your cabinet is off a bit to the right, your clock will be "out of beat" and run slightly differently.
-Jeff

Thanks very much for your reply, Jeff. That's a good suggestion about the levelness. I had not considered "level," but I will do so now just to get an idea of where we're coming from, a baseline of sorts. Have a good one!

 

[Chris.K]

It just may be a good thing clocks don't talk in some cases.