Clocks, Watches/Mayfair Clock

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/14/2011


Question
Hello Mr. Newman:
I have a Mayfair Clock that has been in my husband's family for many years. I cannot seem to find any information who the manufacturer is and it's approximate value.

On the side of the clock it says Westm, Whitt, Winch. Their is a moon face at the top and has numbers 1,5, 10, 15,20,28,29 1/2. It has carvings of a person on all four sides of the clock. It looks to be of cherrywood, but not positive on that.

Would you have any advice on this type of clock, or can you refer to a company that can help me know more about it?

Thank you for your time,
Colleen

Answer
Colleen, I do not have any information on your Mayfair clock.  I know there were some Mayfair clocks in early England and I have seen some inexpensive modern Asian clocks with that name.  There were many companies that would take names for their clocks and use other companies components, as they do now.  Of course the quality in the name is how they are viewed and the reputation of the company.  The movement you have is a triple chime and the numbers to which you refer above the moving moon dial can be found on any of the moon dial clocks.  That has to do the with the number of days in a lunar cycle, which is 29-1/2 days.  It has nothing to do with the days of the month.  I just returned from as service call where I set up the clock and the customer commented that the moon was not on the day of the month.  I had to explain the function to him.  As far as value, even if I could see the clock I do not give appraisals, as explained in my Allexperts personal information.  Sorry I could not help you more.  If I do run into any information on the Mayfair clocks I will get back with you.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

Clocks, Watches

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.