Clocks, Watches/Mantle Clocks

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Expert: - 10/10/2010


Question
I have 2 mantles clocks that my sister-in-law had. She passed away and I'm trying to find out where to look and find info on them. The are Lanshire mantle clocks with horses. The horses are brass and the clocks and bottom are wood. Both clocks are square. Do you have any ideas that could help me? Thanks for your time.

Answer
Debbie, I probably have some information in resource books in my shop, but I just Googled "lanshire horse clock" and also used that phrase on an eBay search and found quite a bit of information on both sites, which is probably more updated than my sources.  Instead of copying you on all that information, try these sites and see if what you find helps.  The values shown are not high, but they are nice collectable clocks and are good conversation pieces.  If they are not working, there are parts or complete motors available to be adapted to the faces that are on the clocks.  I hope this helps a little.

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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