American Clocks "Volume 1" 2nd Edition - Ly, T. D. First Published in 1989. The updated reprint in colorful hard cover is a beauty and a must in every clock collector's library. This beautifully illustrated volume is arranged in logical, easy to follow, alphabetical order, and features nineteen clock companies. - 336 pp - 8 1/2 x 11 - 1159 quality illustrations - Smyth sewn hardbound on white gloss enamel text with 2000 Price Update.
American Clocks - Volume 1
by Tran Duy Ly
Originally published in 1989
Reprint in 1992
336 pages - 8 1/2 x 11 - 1159 quality illustrations
Smyth sewn hardbound on high gloss enamel text with 2000 Price Update
While there are many miscellaneous clock catalogues available, for the most part, these show products of a particular manufacturer at some specific period in that maker�s productive history. Others, which include a greater selection of clocks encompassing most of the clocks made during the productive years of that factory, specialize in just one brand name. This new volume, in its 320 pages, is a handy encyclopedic reference which includes the products of nineteen manufacturers. The volume commences with an interesting history of the Ansonia Clock Co., written by Chris Bailey, a foremost authority on American clock history and former curator of the American Clock Museum at Bristol. He also supplies backgrounds for each of the other eighteen factories, these following in alphabetical order.
Thus, in one book are shown thousands of different clocks in various styles, movements, novelty cases and appearance. The experience of the editor, Tran Duy Ly, is evident in the expert development of the format in which each company�s clocks are displayed. Furthermore, he has arranged the volume in a logical sequence so that random searching is not necessary, and finding a particular clock is made quite simple.
All clocks of similar type and appearance of each manufacturer are grouped together. In most other reproduced catalogues, a current value is printed adjacent to the pictured item. Immediately, this ages the volume as a price reference and can present misleading values in this era of inflation and ascending prices. In this book, each item has the date of the original catalogue in which each clock�s illustration originally appeared. Prices are listed in a separate price list compiled by a national panel of experts and will be updated yearly.
The practical advantages and versatility of this volume on American clockmakers serve many purposes. First, it is a quick and ready reference of all manufacturers. Second, with its detailed index and cross references, it facilitates identification of specific clocks. Further, it provides facsimile reproductions from original factory catalogue art and not from old, faded photographs. Factory art confers a genuine reference of documentary value, a reliable reference with which to determine the originality of the offered clock and the ability to determine whether the timepiece has suffered alterations. Illustrations are sharp and clear, with precisely defined details, so much desired and sought after by expert restorers.
Mr. Ly notes also that catalogues from small companies such as Parker & Whipple, Warren Telechron, Russell & Jones, New York Standard Watch Company, and Tiffany Electric are generally printed in pamphlet form and easily become frayed and worn, misplaced or lost. This volume however, is presented in a securely bound edition and will be readily available and useful for many years.
Mr. Ly has also included an invaluable section addressing "IMPORTANT TIPS" which contains expert and useful advice and instructions regarding buying, selling investing, collecting, speculation and auctions. The novice collector as well as the more experienced clockmaker, dealer, restorer, and research historian will find this a valuable addition to the clock connoisseur�s library.
Price: $49.95
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