Clocks, Watches/CJ Hug Clock

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Expert: - 11/10/2009


Question

Clock
Hi John, I just read your response concerning CJ Hug's mantel clock.  I just purchased a clock that looks identical to Hug's clock but mine has no label on it nor does it look as if it ever did (no evidence of something falling off#.  The only marking is on the bottom and it is a stamped #into the wood# date #?# of 10 49.  Do you think this is a date stamp of Oct 1949 and?  Also, is it possible someone else made this clock...I know this is a vague question.  The clock face says imperial above the hands and Westminster chime below the hands.

Thank you for you time (no pun intended)

Dave

Answer
Dave, there is something wrong with the photo transfer on the Allexperts Website or with the format in which you are sending it.  I just received another question with a blank photo.  I cannot remember the question that I answered on the CJ Hug, but I know very little about the company other that what I have found on Google.  I would say that you have a rather good guess onthe date of manufacture.  And it is very common for companies to use other companies components.  Imperial could be a maker or a model.  Westminster is a description of the chimes.  Sorry I could not give you any more information.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

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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