Clocks, Watches/Emperor Clock

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/19/2011


Question
My mother recently passed away and I inherited her grandfather clock.  Other than an emotional attachment I really have no idea if it has any value.  I suppose I just would like some feedback on the potential value (if any) of the clock.  It was purchased in July 1985.  The invoice states:

475-A Cherry/Medium Walnut Finish, 401-M Movement, Gold-Plated Moon Dial, Tubular Chimes
With:  free lyre pendulum for 401-M movement (225-MM), beveled glass in waist door and side panels

The original purchase price was $995.50

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!  Thank you!

Julie Potempa

Answer
Julie, I had answered your question earlier, but it seems like it did not go.  I'll try again.

First, sounds like a nice clock and it does have value.  However, as I state in my Allexperts personal bio, I am not a certified appraiser and do not give appraisals or values on the Internet.  The value of a modern production clock such as yours depends on the selling price, the condition of the movement and case and the demand and economy in the area in which you live.  I will say that the tubular chime movements are the most expensive types and the chime tubes themselves are quite costly.  Sorry I could not give you a value.

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.