Repairing a Salem Ships Bell Clock

[sailcruiser]

Does anyone have any experience with any repair shops in the US? This clock is over 50 years old and a part of the family handed down we wish to keep on board. I haven't been successful locating too many shops that service this German made clock and would like to get it fixed by someone who has experience with the manufacturer.

Any suggestions? Thanks! SC

[Astrid]

who manufactured the clock?

[sailcruiser]

As far as I can tell Salem is the manufacturer out of W. Germany is on the face. I'm not sure on the actual movement inside. I will see if anything else stands out. SC

Edit to add: the face says "Salem Ships Clock 8 Day Jeweled". And adding photos for reference. The barometer is fine and present for reference only. The clock is the only item broken.

[Astrid]

It is possible that the clock in question came from Salem Clock Shop in Salem, Oregon. According to their website, they are still in business and have a repair and restoration department.

Clock Repair, Service and Restoration - Salem Clock Shop - Salem, Oregon

[skipmac]

If you strike out with Salem OR I have a friend that repairs clocks and has a complete machine shop including a miniature metal lathe if he has to make any parts.

He is semi retired but might be interested in the job since he's a sailor as well and we could call it marine related.

[sailcruiser]

Originally Posted by skipmac

If you strike out with Salem OR I have a friend that repairs clocks and has a complete machine shop including a miniature metal lathe if he has to make any parts.

He is semi retired but might be interested in the job since he's a sailor as well and we could call it marine related.

Lol well it would be making the leap to sailing. Would that count? :-) It started out on a cruising power boat but hopefully that won't be held against it. There was at least a small sailboat in the family at that time.

I'll check on the company in OR Astrid but I don't think they're one in the same being the maritime clocks they sell are by Chelsea. I will email and ask though to be sure.

Thanks everyone! Still open for ideas if anyone has any...
SC

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by sailcruiser

Lol well it would be making the leap to sailing. Would that count? :-) It started out on a cruising power boat but hopefully that won't be held against it. There was at least a small sailboat in the family at that time.

I'll check on the company in OR Astrid but I don't think they're one in the same being the maritime clocks they sell are by Chelsea. I will email and ask though to be sure.

Thanks everyone! Still open for ideas if anyone has any...
SC

The movements are not that unique. Google "Antique Clock Repair". For example see Antique Clock Repair & Restoration

[Astrid]

I did a little more checking and there was a Salem Clock Company located in Hartford CT. It imported German-made internal workings set into (usually) American made brass cases. Clock faces marked Germany were probably made before the founding of the FGR in 1949. Thereafter, until unification, faces were marked W.Germany or West Germany.

[sailcruiser]

Originally Posted by Astrid

I did a little more checking and there was a Salem Clock Company located in Hartford CT. It was formed prior to 1948 and used German made internal workings set into American made cases. The company seems to have had a number of sales offices, including the main one in New York.

That is a strong possibility Astrid. The home base for the boat at that time was in the NY area. I am guessing this company is no more? If nothing else it's interesting to learn a little about the clock itself. I know a lot about the boat it was on through photos and many great stories.
SC

[rebel heart]

I had some repair work done by these guys: Antique clock shops, Boston, MA, antique clocks, clocks, Antique shops, Hills Antique Clocks, clock repair

I know this sucks to say but unless you have a strong physical attachment to the beauty of a manual clock a digital will really kick its ass all over the place. Aneroid barometers start dying the minute they're calibrated and no one who really needs dead-on accuracy is using manual timepieces or physical barometers.

For half the cost of repairing a clock/barometer combination you can get a casio pathfinder watch which will perform both functions better, in addition to more of them.

**edit: I just re-read the part about the family attachment and that's a valid reason to restore a time piece like that.

[Astrid]

The one on this link is very similar to yours:

SALEM CLOCK CO. METAL BAROMETER & BRASS CLOCK : Lot 60467

[sailcruiser]

Rebel I understand what you're saying and you're right. Having these on board are one data point of many. Think of it more from an emotional standpoint of belonging to family members long committed to the sea. If we can get this fixed they have a special spot waiting for them.

Astrid it does indeed. It seems you were on the right path earlier in the New York / New England area. It looks like Chelsea will also service a brand Salem but it isn't clear which Salem.
SC

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by sailcruiser

Rebel I understand what you're saying and you're right. Having these on board are one data point of many. Think of it more from an emotional standpoint of belonging to family members long committed to the sea. If we can get this fixed they have a special spot waiting for them.

Gotcha, and makes sense. If I had something like that in my family I'd certainly do the same. Too bad for my kid all she'll get from me is that casio watch.

[Amapola]

We had a great experience with Chelsea Clock chelseaclock.com
They repaif many brands and have experience with antiques.

[sailcruiser]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

Gotcha, and makes sense. If I had something like that in my family I'd certainly do the same. Too bad for my kid all she'll get from me is that casio watch.

Actually Rebel It isn't the stuff but the memories that matter IMHO. Some of the richest people I know aren't wealthy and conversely some of he wealthiest I don't consider rich. Just my perspective on life. SC