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Clocks, Watches/Old lawrence lanshire clock?
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Question
I recently went through some of my mothers things and stumbled up on a clock that diffently does look like an antique clock Its green looks like a big mantle peice.
On the back of the clock located in the center is wording that is exactly like this.
CLOCK MOVEMENT
BY
LANSHIRE
for a.c only
105-125v. 600y. 2w.
Is there anything that you could possibly tell me about this I know i want to keep it but i was wondering if its worth anything also there is an sa in a circle does that stand for something. Also the clock is still in great working condition and it has an electrical cord that you plug into the wall. Well if you can help please let me know about it.
Jeremy, Lanshire (now out of business, I believe) mainly manufactured clock movements for companies that would build clock cases and install the movements. Often you will see the Lanshire name on the dial. They made hundreds of thousands of movements (motors) and some are still in stock at clock suppliers. There were so many different models and very little available published information on them. To get an idea, look up Lanshire clocks on eBay or other auction sites. Generally they are not valuable, but are kept in families for memories and bought for nostalgic or decorating purposes. I would say that it is not antique, but collectable. If you could send a digital photo of the clock to my shop email address below, I might be able to offer a little more information. These clocks were very popular in the 1940's through the 1960's. The movements with the dials, hands and glass could be fitted into existing clock cases. They were called "fit-ups". Who knows, maybe you have an antique case with a fit-up in it. When I see a photo maybe I can tell.
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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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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