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Clocks, Watches/Conversion of Old Schoolhouse Wall Clock
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Question
Hello John,
I recently received a large school house style wall clock made by the Edwards Company. I would like to convert it to battery power, so that I may more easily use it. Do you have any suggestions on how to do that.
The sticker on the back lists the following information:
Input: 115 VAC 60 Hz
Motor: SW Cont.
Magnet: 2W Int.
"For A.C. operation only"
I lifted off the back plate. It says Synchron.
Thanks for your help.
Kathryn, converting a clock movement varies with each type of clock. Each conversion I do is a little different. The old movement has to be removed and the type of mounting has to be detrmined to insure that the replacement movement will fit in the space. Also the hand shaft length has to fit the dial thickness, the pendulum has to be chosen for length and the swinging location should be so it doesn't interfere with any lower cross members or the door parts. If you do want to convert it, try not to alter any part of the clock, and do not discard the motor, as any of this will greatly reduce the value of the clock. Would it be possible for you to send a photo of the complete front of the clock and the back of the motor? My shop email address is below. I might be able to better advise you on this.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
Note: Because of the number of Allexpert questions and follow ups,
and the excessive backlog in my shop, I regret that I can only answer
the Allexperts related questions in a timely manner.
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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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