Who made this clock?

May 9, 2010 12:33 PM

Help me identify this old clock!

My father-in-law has an old clock--maybe 100+ years old?--but we're not sure who manufactured it. When it was repaired a few years ago, the clock repair-person thought it's of German or Austrian origin.

Inside the clock there's a 68 next to a double-hoop symbol. Photos of the clock are posted on flickr here.

Can anyone identify the manufacturer of this clock?

posted by lockestockbarrel to Grab Bag (9 answers total)

The '8's in the two pictures look upside down. It may be 86 [double hoop].
posted by zippy at 12:57 PM on May 9, 2010

Er, I mean 89
posted by zippy at 12:57 PM on May 9, 2010

I think this is a tambour-style mantel clock (based on a bit of research - I don't know much about antique clocks). Can you tell if the movement - the mechanism in the clock - has any patent marks?
posted by zippy at 1:11 PM on May 9, 2010

I was thinking the same thing as zippy: it may be an 89 instead of a 68.

I have worked on a couple of clocks (but am BY FAR no expert). You may want to get a small dental mirror if you can't or don't want to take out the works. This and a flashlight may help you find other names or marks engraved on the brass. It has worked for me in identifying one of my old mantel clocks. Sometimes the works will have different marks and numbers than the case.

You may want to mess around with this site. I have used it for reference and links before.
posted by Tchad at 1:11 PM on May 9, 2010

Here's a guide to European clock logos that may help in the identification.

Clock and Watch Trademark Index of European Origin by Karl Kochmann.

And here's a photo gallery of antique clocks of this style.
posted by zippy at 1:20 PM on May 9, 2010

It may be an 89, but the maker may have turned the punch upside down too. I'd look for both 89 and 68. That said, two digits aren't a lot to go by.

Seconding looking for patent marks, and looking closely, with a mirror and macro lens to hand.

I have no personal experience with them, but I understand the NAWCC is one of the go-to sources for this sort of knowledge. Good luck.
posted by tellumo at 1:25 PM on May 9, 2010

You may be able to research the Horological Association's site as well.

I think that, if you can't find anything, you can post a picture and get help from the users at Discover Clocks.

Good luck!
posted by Tchad at 1:26 PM on May 9, 2010

This clock from the gallery I linked to above has a similar or possibly identical clock face.
posted by zippy at 1:32 PM on May 9, 2010

Former antique shop manager here. I'm guessing late 1930's or 1940 era. The number I'm guessing is a quality control stamp probably the 'bench' mark set by the assembler where it was mass produced. This type of clock is a mantle clock and looks American or British to me. A modest mass produced clock for the average middle class / working class home possibly something that would sell through Sears Roebuck catalogs, etc. I would estimate the value at $200.00-$300.00USD if it is in good working condition (keeps time and has the original key). Less if it needs repair and or the key is missing or not original.
posted by Muirwylde at 5:41 PM on May 9, 2010