My Grandfather Elmer Stennes Clock

Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 10:17 pm     Post subject: My Grandfather Elmer Stennes Clock

Hello everyone, first time poster here. I was doing some yardwork for my Grandfather and he told me he had an Elmer Stennes (sp?) clock that he made in prison. I think it was #29 judging by imprinted numbers on the inside of the clock, with several initial imprinted as well. I snapped some pictures of the clock for you all. Would you please be able to help me date the clock, and possibly a estimate as to how much it is worth? Thank you!

(My apologies for the large, low res shots, will get better ones)

Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 1:45 pm     Post subject:

Interesting history...

http://www.clockguy.com/SiteRelated/SiteReferencePages/ElmerOStennesHistory.html

M.C.I.P. apparently distiguishes the fact that the case was constructed by Mr. Stennes in prison. "MCIP" stands for "Made Case In Prison", where he had served for about two and a half years (paroled in 1972). If this is true, then this case would have probably been constructed somewhere between 1970 and 1972.

As far as value is concerned, I would not have a clue. I noticed a Stennes Pillar and Scroll clock listed for $3,500 on a (nameless) auction site. It could be that Mr. Stennes's noteriety has earned his clock reproductions some value in the market place. Perhaps exploration of other various auction sites may help to establish value. You could also check with publications that deal with the value of 20th century American clock assemblies. Finally, antique dealers may also be able to establish a value (as his clocks appear to be modern day collectibles as a direct result of the history of the man himself). It would probably be a good idea to have the case inspected as well, as there are "knock off" assemblies out there.

Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 2:07 pm     Post subject:



Great! Thank you very much for the information, I will definitely get an appraiser to his house or take the clock somewhere.

Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 3:14 pm     Post subject:

Elmer's clock's are very desirable. The Girandole clock is one of the more expensive ones. The key is to have documentation, as he also sold the parts to make your own. Price $6,000+. The clockguy website has a Burleigh one listed for $11,000 which is an exact copy of the original.

http://www.clockguy.com/BanjoClocks.html

Might want to email Gordon Converse to see what he thinks.

http://www.converseclocks.com/