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Clocks, Watches/Limited Edition U.S. Constitutional Commerative Clock (NO. A11589)

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Expert: - 2/3/2010


Question
I have this subject clock, but unfortunately I have no key. Is there somewhere that I can obtain a key? It was a product of Winfield Marketing,7350 N. Ridgeway, Skokie, Illinois 60076. I don"t know how to obtain one. Could you please advise me. I would be grateful for your input.

Answer
Shirley, I apologize for the delay in this answer, but I received the question and answered it.  Evidently it did not go through because the question was still in my Allexperts queue this morning.

In answer to your question, these commerative clocks were manufactured for promotional companies by original clock companies who assembled parts from other manufacturers.  Therefore, model records were not passed on and very little information is known about them.  The good news is that the key you need is probably available.  There were quite a few types manufactured, so we have to determine which type would work.  We can do this in one of two ways.  First, if the door is open and you can remove the lock (usually by removing 2 screws), send it to me and I can match it.  If the door is locked and you cannot remove the lock, I can send you an assortment of keys from which you can try.  If you will let me know by contacting me at my shop email address, I can give you the details.  Right now my assortment is going to another customer, but let's find out what you can do first.

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.)

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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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