Message from the Claims Desk 11.1.16

Good Morning Stewart Family

It’s that time of year again to change up the clocks. That’s right this Sunday at 2a.m. you’ll want to turn your clocks back an hour. Even though this practice was implemented during WWII to save on energy consumption, its origins trace back to ancient civilizations that used water clocks that were adjusted differently throughout the year. Fast forward to the birth of America and you will find an essay, “An Economical Project” written by Benjamin Franklin in 1784. In the essay, Franklin suggested Daylight Savings Time as a way to save on candles. So as your adjusting those clocks, let’s think about how we move our customer’s clocks.

This week I would like to talk about the proper way to move/service a grandfather clock. First thing you have to do is inventory the clock. Ensure that the make and model number is listed on the paperwork, look over the item for pre-existing damage, notate if there is a key and where it is located, and mark the item as MCU (unless you are a certified clock technician). Never mark “working” on your inventory!!!

Next secure the chains or cables inside the clock by placing newsprint around it. After the cables are secure you may remove the weights but be sure to do so with gloves on since the oils in your hands can tarnish the metal. Also, mark the location of each of the weights because if the right and left weights are switched, the clock may not operate correctly. Once the weights are out you may gently lift up on the pendulum and pull it out, DO NOT FORCE IT!!!

Finally, it’s just a matter of wrapping the item and safely transporting it to its final destination. Keep in mind that grandfather/mother clocks house delicate internal components and must be transported upright.

So find that model number, use gloves on the pendulums, and keep those clocks upright.

Cheers,

Robert Wright

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