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Clocks, Watches/Ridgeway Grandfather Clock

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Expert: - 1/16/2011


Question
I inherited my grandmother's clock and know nothing about it.  I have taken off the back and learned that it is a Urgos movement, number 03101.  I believe the serial number to be 62485, because that is the only other number stamped into the back of the movement mechanism, but I have no idea.  There is what looks like an ink-stamp on the inside back of the case J-21 P-164, but I  haven't been able to find anything on that, either.  I would like to find out the name, serial number and date of the clock to determine whether or not it is worth repairing.  Thank you.

Answer
Donna, At some time Ridgeway started attaching a tag on the inside of the front door with the serial number on it which included the date in the number.  This information would be different from the movement numbers.  Ridgeway is out of business, and there was not much available information on these clocks released.  When a customer brings a clock to me and asks if it worth repairing, I give them an estimate and let them make that decision.  A clock owner would consider the cost of keeping it in the family and having it run.  If it was going to be restored to be sold, that would be a different consideration.  Even if you did have the information you are looking for above, it would not really help you determine the value.  The value of your clock would depend on the age, original selling price (not the advertised price), the condition of the case and movement, and most importantly, the demand for the clock in the area in which you are selling it and the economy.  I would say look in the local classifieds for similar clocks, but I don't see many listed anymore.  Your best bet is to look at On-line auction sites like eBay and Craigslist, and again, not for asking price, but selling price.  Good luck, sorry I could not help you more.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

Clocks, Watches

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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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