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Clocks, Watches/Piper Montgomery Ward Grandfather Clock CPM 9084

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Expert: - 12/12/2010


Question
I received a grandfather clock from my mom.  It isn't currently working, but it looks in good condition and have the weights/chains/pendulum as well as owners manual.  I was wondering if I should pay to have it "tuned up" -- isn't my style really... any ballpark on how much I should sell it for (live in Seattle)?

Answer
Diane, I answered your question last night, but I see it has appeared on the Allexperts forum again.  I was experiencing a very slow Internet response yesterday and possibly my answer did not get through to you, so I will repeat it.

The decision to have it tuned up (we call it servicing) is up to you depending on how much you would pay to have it done.  I'm not sure you want to have it done to keep it or sell it.  You wold have to determine the going price for the clock as is, and what you would have to sell it for after paying to have it brought up to reliable running condition.  I'm afraid I cannot give you a value.  As stated in my Allexperts personal profile, I do not give values, as I am not a certified appraiser.  I would suggest you look at local classifieds or some of the selling prices on on-line sites such as eBay or Craigslist, but finding a Montgomery Ward clock would be very rare.  Their clocks were manufactured for them in limited quantities by other companies, and there is very little available history on these "modern production" clocks.  Sorry I could not help you more.


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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