Expert: Michael Radi - 11/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: Looking to see how much this clock is worth and how to find out the year it was made.  There is a registered serical number on the door plate also stating Colonial of Zeeland.  The clock was made in West Germany with another set of numbers on the clock mechanizm.  Using the key to wind it up, it plays music and bongs.

ANSWER: The way I understand it your clock case was made in Zealand Michigan by the Colonial Manufacturing Company. Colonial imported movements from a number of companies, your movement was made in West Germany by Hermle. There is probably a 2 digit date on the movement. This is the only way I know how to date the clock as I don't know of any list that would help date the clock by serial number. The two digit date stamped on the back of your clock movement might be 78 for 1978 or some other similar number. This number indicates the year the movement was made and the clock would most likely have been made that year or the following year.
Here is a little history on the Colonial Mfg. Company:
http://www.horology.com/htb-colo.html
Michael
www.norkro.com
clock parts and repair


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The number on the mechanism is a 79 so it was probably 1979.  Any idea if I were to sell this mantel clock what I could expect to get?  Any thoughts on where I could go to get the best price to sell it.  Your answer was very helpful and much appreciated.

Answer
Yes, 79 would indicate that the movement was made in 1979.
I don't know what your options are locally (antique malls or craigslist.org work for me).
Ebay is always a quick way to get a sale if you are willing to let it go to the highest bidder. You can search on ebay for a similar clock and see what people are paying for them right now.
Michael