You are here:
- Home
- Home/Garden
- Clocks and Watches
- Clocks, Watches
- Ridgeway Grand Father Clock
Clocks, Watches/Ridgeway Grand Father Clock
Advertisement
Question
Hi,
I have a Tempus Fugit Ridgeway grandfather clock mdl# 116, ser.# 1294 in very good condition. How can I find out what it's worth?
James, I hope this will help you find a place to look.
REQUESTS FOR APPRAISALS
The first statement in my Allexperts personal bio states that I am not a certified appraiser and therefore do not give values of clocks. On what I consider modern production clocks (WWII and later) there are very few of these clocks that have any history of values, as most depreciate with time. The values of a few rare and top line models have risen. Generally, the value of a modern production clock will depend on the original selling price, not necessarily the listed price, the condition of the case and movement, and most importantly, the area in which you are selling the clock, the demand and the economy. I suggest you check listings for a clock similar to yours in local classified listings, selling venues such as Craigslist and Internet auction sites like eBay. I'm sorry I cannot help you.
Sorry, forgot to sign my name.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
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)
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.