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Clocks, Watches/Ingraham Mantle Clock

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Expert: - 5/11/2010


Question

Mantle clock
Hi,
We recently inherited this Ingraham "Magic" mantle clock.  Unfortunatly, it did not come with a key and apprears to be pretty much unwound.  We did get a chime out of it however. We would like to know if you could tell us the approximate manufacture date from the pictures attached. I have more pictures available but the site would only accomodate one.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Jessica, I have reference to one very similar to yours and the face is exactly the same.  The date on it is circa 1935.  The best bet on finding a key is to take it to a clock shop and have it fitted.  There are many size keys and one too small will not fit on the winding arbors, and one too large is susceptible to slipping and causing damage to the clock and personal injury.  Also you need a double-ended key which has a smaller end.  That is for regulating the clock at the adjustment hole above the number 12.  It has to fit perfectly also.  If you have trouble finding a key, I do have some Ingrahams similar to yours and might have a key.  I will be on an out of state trip for a little over a week and will probably be on vacation status on Allexperts most of the time.  I will have access to email and you can contact me at the address below.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com  

(General Note:  Due to the commitment I have for answering Allexperts questions and follow-up information,
and the excessive backlog at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer other questions from
this email address in a timely manner)  
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 8Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you for your prompt reply...I wasn't sure if my question would get lost in cyber space.


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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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