Swift and Anderson Ship Clock
msterspy
couldn't find any info on these clocks from google.
John S.
binoculars, microscopes and telescopes for years...at least the logo is
the same.
Is this your sale...if so be up front and say so.
The listing has changed the beginning date for WWII:
"Swift & Anderson was founded in 1926, Imports from Germany ended
before WWII in 1959."
msterspy
I generally don't continue to bid on items if the price starts to
rise rapidly. I'm just wondering why this particular item got several
bids right off the bat.
John S.
always make me wonder about shills.
The seller gives very confusing information about it's age and implies
that it is a prewar clock. Clearly the style and "Western Germany"
mean it is late 1950's or early 1960's. Swift Instrument was importing
german and japanese goods in the 1950's, but gradually switched over to
all japanese goods and not surprisingly are transitioning to goods come
from China.
It is an interesting nautical style clock that would probably be most
at home in a den. If it works I could probably put up with the minor
chipping around the winding holes for $65.00.
msterspy
that member started on April, 2, 2005 which is very suspicious. This
kind of scamish stuff really urks me (although this case could be an
innocent coincidence).
If a seller wants at least say $65.00, they should start the initial
price as such or make it a reseve auction and not have shills. I'm
sure I have been the subject of a shill here and there.
In all fairness though, the seller has an outstanding feedback profile
so chances are that it is on the level.
Also, about 6 months ago, I saw the exact same clock in a shop for
$45. but it was in need or repair.
John S.
and you can wake the house with bells at the oddest hours <vbg>.
The Baron
The fact that we cannot see the movement, seems to confirm this. I would
say this clock is not collectable, and perhaps never will be.
If you want a ships bell clock, and you want this one, then buy it. Your
other choices would be to buy a new German clock, or an antique, both would
be pricey.
I have a similar one , modern German movement, mounted to a piece of wood,
that to a knowledgeable collector, is not worth more than US$75, in working
condition. But it does strike ships bells.
"msterspy" <mste...@netscape.net> wrote in message
news:9475515orb949epmi...@4ax.com...
John S.
It may not be a pricey collectable, but if there are 6 people bidding
on it that is a pretty sure indicator of collector interest. People
collect dollar watches, ice cream scoops, pocketwatch holders,
children's lunch buckets...you name it.
msterspy
if it's still there but if it is, what should I look for in the
movement? It is supposedly a jeweled movement and made in West
Germany.
If it were cheap enough, I would get it just for a "project clock"
just to tinker with. I bought an old Sessions Electric Westminister
(model 27) from the same place for $35.00 and couuldn't fix it until I
found parts on ebay. Now it runs great; probalby worth $42.00.
Kidding aside, I don't buy clocks to make money on them, I just like
working on them even though I'm not particularly good at it.
I would never work on a valuable clock and ruin it. I know my
limitations.
On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 20:00:29 GMT, "The Baron" <theb...@flash.net>
wrote:
The Baron
their ''antique'' shop. There, they will mark it up(150%) for the
''unknowing''. The Daughter of an ex sailor might buy this on impulse,
thinking this would be a nice birthday present, thus they would not care how
much it costs. ''Antique'' dealers count on this ''emotional unknowing''.
No serious collector would want this piece, unless they collect bovine
excrement. Alas, I have one hmmmmmm......................
"John S." <hjs...@cs.com> wrote in message
news:1112732775.0...@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
John S.
guess it is probably middle aged guys who are looking for a little
decoration for the den or computer room. Remember there are collectors
of everything, Rolex watches, beanie babies, stickley furniture,
brilliant cut glass, old computers, hand held calculators, old tools.
We don't have to like the piece for it to be collectable.
John S.
to be porcelain. They are not repaired cheaply. Next consider which one
is running, and if the best looking one is also running then go for it.
The Baron
German movement. I don't remember the Hermle number but they make two
different replacement models, US$ 60 to US$100.
I have a Waterbury model in brass case and a ST 115b movement that may find
a case some day.
I really didn't mean to say bovine excrement, I meant to say coprolite, it's
collectable.
"msterspy" <mste...@netscape.net> wrote in message
news:ok0651hgs4e29blqc...@4ax.com...
The Baron
for emphasis.
"John S." <hjs...@cs.com> wrote in message
news:1112738926.0...@l41g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
The Baron
"The Baron" <theb...@flash.net> wrote in message
news:vbE4e.29495$hU7....@newssvr33.news.prodigy.com...
msterspy
Ship Clock for $50.00. The tag on it said it didn't work. I happened
to have a key with me and forund that it was fully wond (no broken
main springs). I got the clock runnig by torquing it to get the
balance wheel going. It still runs but probably needs cleaninig and
oiling.
It may not be collectible, but it sure looks great. The dial is
perfect. The brass case has a bit of tarnish that can be cleaned up.
I did this during some free time that I had today. My wife doesn't
know that I bought it yet. Wonder what kind of excuse I should think
up?
On Tue, 05 Apr 2005 23:29:33 GMT, "The Baron" <theb...@flash.net>
wrote:
>And perhaps education and humor, see a new thread on snails....
The Baron
It may be interest that this clock was not normally used by any navy, nor
had much shipboard use. There, ships bells would be struck by someone on
watch. This clock might be in the Captain's quarters or the officers mess.
I would think their main usage was as a retirement gift.
Harry Truman was given one by Gen. Marshall, and was kept in the Oval
office, neither one of them had a nautical background???
"msterspy" <mste...@netscape.net> wrote in message
news:5t08519mo1t0ukoek...@4ax.com...
msterspy
case has these weird cracks (almost like seams) going radial starting
from the outside of the mounting flange. The brass isn't particularly
thin, but I'll bet they are stess cracks in the brass due to forming.
This is not a cast brass case. Anyway, the cracks aren't that evident
and strangley enough they are equally spaced in angle around the
circumference. They are not very long (yet). There must have been
very high hoop stress when this case was formed.
On Wed, 06 Apr 2005 16:34:59 GMT, "The Baron" <theb...@flash.net>
The Baron
polish(which normally contains ammonia)speeds up the cracking, called SCC
stress corrosion cracking.
"msterspy" <mste...@netscape.net> wrote in message
news:m6f851pl5lp8et858...@4ax.com...
msterspy
painted on a think foil like metal. It's not a bad clock for what I
paid for it, but definately not a collectible. It has a Scatz
movement. It badly needed oil. Seems to run okay. The case polishes up
pretty good.
The one selling on ebay (in my opinion) is a bit overpriced.
M
On Wed, 06 Apr 2005 22:52:13 GMT, "The Baron" <theb...@flash.net>
The Baron
it for a profit, or at least break even. You could then purchase
another(not running) of a different quality, and go forth.
Eventually, ( if you are lucky) others will pay for you clocks, or for most
of the investment. If you take in repair of other's clocks, they will
eventually pay for your tools.
"msterspy" <mste...@netscape.net> wrote in message
news:13da51tr9d6pe616r...@4ax.com...
bogar...@uwlax.edu
The Baron wrote:
> Life is a learning experience. Now that the clocks runs, you might
sell
> it for a profit, or at least break even. You could then purchase
> another(not running) of a different quality, and go forth.
>
> Eventually, ( if you are lucky) others will pay for you clocks, or
for most
> of the investment. If you take in repair of other's clocks, they
will
> eventually pay for your tools.
>
[snip]
...and as you become skilled in the use of those tools,
your work load will increase, and more than a few of
your own, favorite clock projects will languish, in need
of service, and sit on a back shelf.
And in the course of time, they will sell for pennies
on the dollar at the estate sale, to appear next on
Ebay... and the whole diabolical cycle will repeat itself.
My gawd, man, give it up before you're HOOKED! ;-)
Lloyd
*****
msterspy
hobby.
I am a mechanical engineering analyst and not particularly skilled
working with tools.
I do have a colleauge at work who has a Phd physics (from MIT) and
decided to work part time as a scientist and 1/2 time repairing
clocks. He claims that clock repair is difficult to make substaintial
money at because it is time consuming and you have to deal with
people who want their clocks fixed but don't want to pay the price.
The Baron
<bogar...@uwlax.edu> wrote in message
news:1112893641.9...@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
The Baron
self. If your hobbies are fishing and hunting, then you will forever be
in debt and operating at a loss.
I understand about the Engineer being an ''engineer''. I know several
degree Engineers, that cannot change their spark plugs. In their
managerial roles, perhaps in charge of maintenance departments, they are not
required to do so. I often wondered why they got a degree in this field.
Perhaps they thought that by gaining this knowledge, they would be a good
mechanic, or DIYer.
I know of several doctors that are very good technicians. They repair
their own clocks and are quite skilled with hand tools and machinery. This
knowledge did come by their career field or education, it was within
themselves.
"msterspy" <mste...@netscape.net> wrote in message
news:jesa511feum7stg2j...@4ax.com...
msterspy
and no managerial work (ie) I'm a grunt. Never got interested in
managing people. I can do some things with tools. Used to work on my
own cars but as I got older decided that working on cars was no fun.
I got a degree in the engineering because way back when I was a kid,
it was fashionable for boys to either learn a trade or go into some
technical field. After Sputnik in the 50's everyones son had to become
a scientist or engineer. After doing this job for 40 years or so, I
kind of regret it. It's an okay, honest living but I don't make a lot
of money at it (none of the engineers I work with have become wealthy)
and also, you can be laid off at a moments notice if there is no work.
I understand the thing about doctors being naturaly skilled with hand
tools and machinery; particularly dentists and orthopedic sergons.
Anyway, I have about 15 more years or so before I retire. Maybe I can
get good at meduim duty clock repair and supplement my Social
Security.
M
By the way, you must be a Flash Gordon fan judging from your userid?
On Thu, 07 Apr 2005 19:30:03 GMT, "The Baron" <theb...@flash.net>
wrote:
>Of course I didn't say make a living. Make your hobby help pay for it's
The Baron
skills. Most times the investment can never be recovered. I am speaking
to gear making, and other special part making, and perhaps brass
polishing/lacquering and case repair. Some of this can be done, but major
work might be sent out. The customer must agree to these charges or no
work can be done.
If you had a shop, with an overhead of say US$50/hr, you could never afford
to cut gears. Your main area would be in sales, service calls, then
finally some repair. It is not easy meeting a high overhead(or any
overhead) just repairing clocks.
Being a grunt is a good thing, especially if you get passed the 55 and
undervalued period. I did not, but my part time business turned to full
time and I became a much happier person. There are some here that will
disagree with me on this point.
No matter how small the city is in which you live, there will be clock
repair. Indeed some will come from farther away once they know who and
where you are. Hopefully you will be a good enough mechanic to ''make em
run''.
Nope, no Flash Gordon fan, it's nickname that my children's friends gave me.
The didn't like (I didn't like) Mr. ''The Baron'' (third person)reflects
a title, based upon my rather large estate. 1/2 ac. It could be considered
large if you live in an apartment or a smaller cookie cutter subdivision.
One or two these friends also call me ''my Baron'', when I allow them the
''privilege'' of speaking directly to me, as when directly answering my
questions. I have used the name to sign their wedding gifts, and other
personal announcements. It still amuses them and me as well.
NO, IT ABSOLUTELY HAS NOT GONE TO MY HEAD!!!!!!!!
"msterspy" <mste...@netscape.net> wrote in message
news:6f4b51dtj6gm5d9tj...@4ax.com...
The Baron
"msterspy" <mste...@netscape.net> wrote in message
news:6f4b51dtj6gm5d9tj...@4ax.com...
msterspy
TV show with marionette puppets and one character was Master Spy. My
daughter was watching it and we got a big kick out of it. She couldn't
believe how "lame" (her words) that TV was back when I was a kid.
I needed a new name quick because someone on another newsgroup was
hassling me. I realize that I shouldn't let trolls bother me but this
guy was really bad. So far so good, but I'm sure he''l figure it out
and I'll be changing again.
On Fri, 08 Apr 2005 00:03:51 GMT, "The Baron" <theb...@flash.net>
wrote:
>And how did you conjure up msterspy?
Honest John
"msterspy" <mste...@netscape.net> wrote in message
" My daughter was watching it and we got a big kick out of it."
Lucky she wasn't watching "Lancelot Link".