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Question
I have a 1981 Molyneux Grandfather Clock....from Colonial of Zeeland, Michigan....a Division of Thomas Industries. Model is "Classic" the serial number is 8027542. The clock is acented by a very beatutiful wood veneer called Olive Ash Burl. It is imported from the European continent. I have the original receipt for $2050.00. Since it is now 28 years old....can you give me an approximate value of the clock. It has a moon dial. Three hanging brass weights. There are no plastic decorations, and no masonite. The Molyneux dial is solid brass, and the spandrels are a product of a European jewelry manufacturer.
Mr. Moffa, I have very little history of the Colonial Clock Company, particularly as being a division of Thomas Industries. The Thomas Industries I know of manufactures electrical boxes as one of their products. Of course, Seth Thomas was sold in some form to Tally Industries which was connected with General Time. Are you saying that the clock was sold by Colonial, a division of Thomas but was imported from Europe? If I did know about the clock, I will have to say that in my personal biography at Allexperts I state that I do not give values. Sorry I could not help you.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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Answers by Expert:
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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