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Clocks, Watches/Cornwall mantle clock
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Question
I recently purchased a Cornwall Mantle clock Serial #3609c-0781-25477r... pendulum movement, chime ... the clock works and keeps time.. but the chime does not work...I love the clock, it is beautiful. I paid $90 for it and havent been able to find out much about the clock...is it worth getting chime fixed, and if so, where would I do that. And is there any resource where I could learn more about the clock or possibly get a retail value on it. Thank you.
Joy, many companies used different names on their clocks, so I'm not sure of the actual manufacturer. The serial numbers of clocks and even model numbers are not very helpful, as there is very little information available on this. Is there any information on the back plate of the movement? That would help quite a bit. Or better yet, if you can send a clear photo of the complete front of the clock and one of the back of the movement, I might be able to tell more about it. My shop email address is below. There could be a few causes of the chime not working. You would have to let an experienced clockmaker look at it to determine what is wrong and how much it would be to fix it. Then it would be up to you to decide if it was worth it or not. I do not give values on the Internet, but if we can identify it, I might be able to find a source of value.
John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
Note concerning questions not related to Allexperts: Because of my commitment to answering Allexperts questions within a prescribed time limit and the large backlog of clock work at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis, other than Allexperts follow up questions. I will try to answer these emails as soon as I can. Thank you for your patience.
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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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