Some time or other you will have to move your long case clock whether it’s in the process of moving house or just time to clean behind the case and move it for decorating. A lot of damage can be done by just picking the clock up and moving it in one piece without taking a number of precautions So whether you are moving your grandfather clock ten foot or ten mile Always
1. Wind up the clock so the weights are as close to the seat board as you can get them, but remember you need to be able to put the weights back onto the pulley hooks when reassembling, so leave yourself some room to hold the pulleys with one hand while holding the weight with the other. A good guide line is to wind the pulleys up to just above the trunk door top.
2. Take of the hood to expose the movement and dial and place masking tape or the like over the gut line that is around the strike and going barrels, this will stop the gut line from springing out and getting tangled when you take off the weights and will keep everything in place when you lift the movement and dial from the case.
3. Take off the weights and it’s a good idea to mark them by sticking a piece of masking tape on to each one and writing on them L (Left) and R (Right) or one, two and three in the case of a modern clock with a chiming movement that has three weights, this will ensure the weights go back in the right place, as you will see when you lift them there is a difference in weight.
4. Now take the pendulum off the movement, being very careful not to damage the thin suspension spring (thin piece of spring steel) at the top of the pendulum which is threaded through the crutch at the back of the movement.
5. You can now lift the movement and dial from the case and away from the trunk cheeks by lifting the whole thing up with the seat board and placing it in its packing case. It is best to pack the movement and dial stood upright in the box making sure the bottom of the dial is not crushing the gut lines. This will also keep the front of the dial and clock hands safe, plus the added bonus of keeping the crutch at the back of the movement from possible damage or bending.
6. Your clock is now ready to be moved safely to its new location. To reassemble just reverse the dismantling procedure put the clock into beat and you are up and running.
7. If transporting the clock in your own vehicle be sure the clock case is secure and will not slide, preventing any damage to the veneers or mouldings. We have found it is wise to protect the suspension spring on the end of the pendulum by taping it to a piece of thick card to prevent it form being damaged or bent, also make sure the weights are stowed really well as you don’t want 12lb weights rolling around the boot or foot well of your car.
If using a professional moving company it is always best to dismantle and pack your grandfather clock ready for the removal men to transport. As most are very well experienced in moving furniture very few understand the workings of a clock and attempts to move longcase clocks without using these precautions will inevitably cause damage that is not detected until long after the move has been taken, and by that time they have long gone often leaving the owner with a very large repair bill.
The commitment to old world craftsmanship is one that is not often found. However, the company of Hentschel has guaranteed that the same looks and ability to make this perfection can provide a better look to everything that they do. One of the ways that this is seen is through the Hentschel grandfather clock. This addition into this furniture company has provided more opportunities for better clock making.
The beginning of Hentschel was established in 1890, with it’s main headquarters being located in Canada. The concept was to combine a certain level of artistry with the craftsmanship in order to offer this with more contemporary looks. Through the works of this company that began with the traditional clock, is the continuation of their business today has also allowed for a movement to upgrade the clocks, specifically with combining things such as electrical clocks and more contemporary looks.
There are four classes of Hentschel grandfather clocks that are available. These are divided according to the type of craftsmanship available. The first of these is the artist’s collection. There are five major types in this area, all which combine a specific look to the clock. This includes more ornate figures that are carved at the top and sides of the clock, as well as a moon dial, a large pendulum and sides. These particular clocks have more weights than most other types of clocks because of the size and figure that is used with the clocks.
The second set of clocks for this particular company is the Hentschel collection. These are known as some of the best clocks and gave this company their signature. All three of the models contain pendulums and chimes, but are also designed with a 3D look. This is because of the glass that is on the side as well as on the front of the area where the chimes are at. The Camelot model also contains Curio shelves which are used on the sides in order to enhance the features of the clock.
After this division of clocks are two sets of featured clocks that are more traditional and have been built since the beginning of the Hentschel company. This includes traditional looking clocks, with two main clocks that are used, as well as the Forest Hill Collection, which includes a set of six traditional looking grandfather clocks from the region. All of these contain long cases combined with cabinets or pendulums as well as moon dials on the top, combined with traditional carvings. These will have a more miniature look to some of them, with others being a larger size.
More recently, the Hentschel grandfather clocks have included the 2006 lifestyle series. These have a more contemporary look with glass in casings, little wood except for around the frame, and the same signature pendulums that allow the grandfather clocks to keep their look.
With all of these types of clocks, a different approach is taken towards putting them together. Either you can have a pre-made clock, or you can get kits with all of the parts in order to put the clock together yourself. This is to help with convenience of shipping and to provide an easier way to get the clock to you. Many of these clocks will also have specific necessities to care for the clock, such as cleaning supplies and oil for the clock. If any repairs are needed, the kits can simply be taken back apart and shipped back in order to ensure that they continue to work and that the pendulum keeps moving forward.
The evolution of clocks from the Hentschel grandfather clocks is one that has included a wide variety of concepts, ornamented looks and masterpieces of art for the home. Through the traditional styles, this particular company has learned how to progress as well as keep the heirloom treasures in their company. This allows them to keep a part of the past as well as the ability to keep ticking into the future.