Clocks, Watches/grandfather clock

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Expert: - 6/23/2010


Question

images of clock
I am not looking for an appraisal; however, I am wondering what exactly it is that I have. I received this clock with the knowledge that it was given as a gift back in the seventies along with the tiny bit of info printed on the back. I was hoping that you could elaborate a bit for me...bearing in mind, that I know absolutely nothing about clocks. I have included photos to help me explain. Thank you so much.

Answer
KG, the photos just about cover it all.  You have a Trend grandfather clock, manufactured by the Sligh Clock Company.  From the photos it looks like a triple chime, 8-day chain driven clock.   Trend was bought out by Sligh in, I believe, 1968.  They used the Trend Subsidiary name and then evolved into a Trend line of clocks.  Sligh ceased manufacturing clocks in 2005 and now manufacturers modular office equipment and home entertainment centers.  That's really about all I can tell you.  I know you didn't ask for an appraisal, and I do not give them.  But I will give you my general statement for what I consider modern production clocks (manufactured since WWII).  The value of these clocks depends on the selling (not advertised) price, the condition of the case and movement, the demand for this type of clock, and the economy in the area in which you live.  You can look in local community shoppers and check On-line auctions such as eBay to see what similar clocks are selling for.  I hope you enjoy it.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you very much for your help!


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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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