Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 12/10/2007

Question
I am tring to reseach a tall wood antq. looking open case pendelum key wind clock. It has handcrafted by alta vista clocks dec 78 on back. A B a on the pendelum. oak leaves on case. I know nothing of clocks and would like to know what I have. It is like a grandfather on the wall sort of thing.  I have lost the key also...  Thank You, Know nothing...

Answer
Movement is German - probably Hermle and has a date stamped along with the model # on the back brass plate of the mechanism ie "78"  and "451-053" or such. Good luck with the people who made the case- not heard of them. Key will be standard #8 or 4mm key available at any clock shop or on line on Ebay.