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Question
QUESTION: Hi, I'm watching a clock on ebay which is described as a Ships Engineers Clock from the early 1900s. It is housed in a mahogany box and it only has a second hand. The seller bought it from a marine auction and knows no more than the description of it when he bought it. I am trying to find out what it would have been used for. Any ideas?
Thanks
Alan
ANSWER: Alan, I just received a notice from Allexperts that I have not answered your question. I had actually written a detailed answer with a possible explanation of your clock after researching it and receiving some answers from my Internet Clocksmiths Group. It is possible that there was a glitch in the system and my answer did not go out to you. Will you let me know if you did or did not receive the reply? If not, I will have to go to my shop computer to pull up the information I compiled. I am not scheduled to go back to the shop until Tuesday, but might go by there before that. If you have not received the reply, I do apologize.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hello John,I'm afraid that I did not receive your reply. The auction was up today and I was outbid so there is no panic but I would be interested in your explanation.
Thanks
Alan
Alan, one of my Internet Clocksmiths members suggested that it might have been a timer for determining the speed of a boat. The way that is done is to drop a floating object at the bow of the boat and the seconds timer is started. When the stern of the boat reaches the object, someone signals the person to stop the timer and it is read. I can't remember what values I used when I answered you, but if the boat is 100 feet long and it takes 20 seconds, the calculations would show that the boat is traveling at 2.96 knots. This is an example, not an accurate answer. Sorry you didn't win the clock. It looks like an interesting instrument.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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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)
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