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Expert: - 10/3/2010


Question
I bought a ridgeway 1984 limited edition grand father clock in mint condition for 200.00, a seth thomas 1860-1865 wall clock 40.00 and a sessions 1903 mantel clock 60.00 all in great working condition. my question is what is my best resource for getting information on value, production, history and so on about all of these clocks. the ridgeway is the hardest of all.

Answer
Peter, I do not know of a good and quick source for values of modern production clocks such as your Ridgeway clock.  The best way I have found is to check an on-line auction site such as eBay for similar clocks.  For the earlier clocks, if you can send me photos of the fronts of the clocks and back views of the movements, I may be able to give you some information on them.  My email address is below.  As per my Allexperts personal information, I do not give values.


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis other than Allexperts follow ups.)

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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