Expert: William J Perkins - 7/29/2008

Question
We bought this old farm house 2 years ago and it has a Elgin clock hanging in the kitchen. I have never seen any like it. The face of the clock has 4 hearts on it which I believe are suppose to be flowers as there is green dots also. It has a shelf on the bottom of it but the door has been broken so a piece at top of trim on door is missing & I believe it had glass at one time. We have no idea of age but wondered if it possible to restore or if it would be worth restoring. It runs great. I am going to take it off the wall and see if there are any markings on the enclosure.
Thank you for you time.

Answer
The information you provided is insufficient for me to gather information on it.  May I suggest that when you take the clock down from the wall that you expose the clock movement brass backplate.  On it you should find information stamped thereon, this is crucial source information.  From it I might be able to at least identify the clock and probably much more.  Pictures would also be of great help.  Tip:  Anytime you take pictures, for research purposes, always include a ruler next to the item.  Also you did not mention the power source of the clock, nor whether it has a visible pendulum.
Power source would be, spring, weight or electric.  The problem with Elgin clocks is that the great bulk of them are Elgin in name only.  The bulk being manufactured in Korea, China, Taiwan, India and a few Germany.  Some, but not many, are great clocks.  As far as repair is concerned, any competent clock repair person could repair any clock.  The biggest problem is cost.  Costs can quickly overcome the potential value of a restored clock.  If you wish me to pursue this matter send the requested information to; <flashpowder@hotmail.com>
use Elgin clock as subject.  Regards WJP