I just got this cuckoo in today.
haven't done anything t it yet other than give it a try. When I leveled the clock I couldn't help notice some differences in the alignment of the holes for the chains
The weights for the music are directly in line so the chain runs clear.
The holes for the time train and cuckoo are out of line with the pulleys and have a metal grommet. The 4 holes are off to the left rather than in-line with the vertical so on all four openings the chains rub the sides of the metal guide. I have never seen one like this before. Is this normal? Doesn't seem efficient to me...

I've never seen one with metal grommets around the holes. Looks like that might be a sign of quality above normal for these.
I also definitely think they chains should drop right through the center of the hole.

That's what I was thinking but I took a close look at the movement position etc and nothing seems to have been altered. I am beginning to think the off-set was intentional which is why those 4 holes are lined while the other 2 holes are not?
Maybe someone else will know for sure?

After posting I considered that too. Maybe the grommets were installed to compensate. But that would indicate something not right or original to the clock?

Shouldn't interfere with the operation however. If it doesn't, just wind it up and let it go.

The brass grommets must be used to fix a screwup in the case holes that were drilled in the wrong place. This is a first I have ever seen in many, many cuckoo clocks that I have done. I would guess eventually these offset holes will give a problem. I presume the clock is centered on the front side..
Good luck..

It looks like the bottom plate was installed upside down.

I thought of that but the slot is there to fit the back door and the holes for the music are lined up fine.

I have never seen this either , My thought is a replacement movement, I would try it , but really think it should not have any add. friction . also on the bellows I used to get just the "tops", and I thought it was from merrits . If I can help with shipping let me know .

this may be a silly question , but , is the movement centered in the front ? I measured the picture after blowing it up and it "seems" it is off to one side

Hi Kevin,
The movement is centered on the front.
Dave sent me a link to a similar clock with the exact same chain set up.
I just emailed the link to you.
Rod