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Expert: - 10/30/2010


Question
I have a Pennsylviana Railroad watchmans clock.  On the face is "P.R.R. Special, Newman Clock Co., New York-Chicago
On the back is "Penn. R.R. Special" and again the manufacturer.  Circa about 1909.  It requires (2) keys. One to open the back side and one for the watchman to insert to mark the internal tape upon his arrival at the watchmans station.  Where might I find a dealer that might have the keys for this clock?

Answer
Chet, even though I have not had a real interest in watchman's clocks,  I have researched the company's history (I wonder why) and have worked on a few.  I don't know of any dealers that would have this key, but I would suggest you Google Newman Clock Company.  There are some dealers listed along with some history of the company and maybe one of these sources could direct you to someone that has keys.  The major problem is that the keys were unique for the different watchman's clocks or the clock stations.  Therefore, there would not be "standard" keys for your clock.  You also might contact a local locksmith to see if any light could be shed on obtaining the keys for you.  That's about all I can offer.  Good luck.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

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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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