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Clocks, Watches/THINK I HAVE A VINTAGE CLOCK

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Expert: - 5/10/2007


Question
HAVE A CLOCK DONT KNOW MUCH ABOUT ITS ABOUT 12" TALL HAS A FULL DOOR ON THE FRONT OPENS TO A SPRING TYPE PENDULM HAS LABLE ON INSIDE READING NEW HAVEN CLOCK COMPANY THIRTY HOUR AMERICAN CLOCKS AND BEHIND THE SPRING SAYS EXT?MENT CANT READ THE MIDDLE OF THAT WORD I WAS NEEDING SOME INFO ON THE CLOCK MABE A PICTURE OR A DATE THAT IT MAY HAVE BEEN MADE THE CASE IS 45 CORNERS MOHOGAHNY WOOD THANK YOU

Answer
Tracy, your description fits many clocks of that type.  I'm not sure what you mean by a spring type pendulum unless you are talking about a coil of wire mounted on the back of the case.  If it is, that would be the gong that is struck to count out the hour.  If you send a full clear digital to my email address below showing the front of the clock with the door open, I might be able to narrow it down to some definite information.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Historic Downtown Prattville
Alabama
klokdok@juno.com  

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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