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Expert: - 10/27/2009


Question
My wife got a Howard Miller Mantle clock 340-020 # 76 made in west Germany from her grandmother. I believe it is 12 jewels. Hard to read engraving. Can you tell me when it was made? and what is its value. She has no plans to sell just curiosity.

Thanks


Answer
Rick, you have a clock with a movement made by Hermle which has a floating floating balance escapement and Westminster chime.  The "76" should be on the first line of the information and indicates that it was made in 1976.  There is very little published information on values of modern production clocks other than you find in advertisements or On-line auction sites.  As stated in my Allexperts bio, I am not a certified appraiser and therefore do not give values.  In seeking an appraisal, you should give a description and/or the model of the clock, not just the movement.  Sorry I could not help you more.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

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John Newman

Expertise

As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.

Experience

One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.

Organizations
Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee

Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.

Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)

Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama) Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)

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