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Clocks, Watches/12/12/09 Scotish lomgcase clock (jennifer)

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Expert: - 1/6/2010


Question
I have inherited a clock very similar to the clock in the picture submited by jennifer. The maker and location have worn off of the face but have been trying unsucsesfully to find out info on this clock. It was owned originally by my grandmothers mother and was brought to U.S in early 1900s from Scotland. Clock face is very similar t face in the picture (different theme."domestic happiness") with pictures of work being performed in the 4 seasons. Case cunstruction looks the same as well but my clock is a little more ordinary. I was hoping to get some info on the maker and date of clock.Any in formation would be greatly appreciated.  

Answer
Derek, I am mostly into advising on maintenance and diagnosing clock problems and not so much into history.  From the photo of Jennifer's clock and you having a similar one that was brought from Scotland, I just don't have anything to go on.  There were many clocks of this style made by individual clockmakers of small shops.  A clock historian could probably determine the era and origin of manufacture if enough detailed photos of the case, movement and dial were presented.  You might try contacting the NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors)and see if they could steer you in the right direction.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Clocks, Watches

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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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