Click Buttons
Below
We've been in the
Clock Business for over 60 years! Take a look at our history and customer testimonials in the
About Us Section.
 Check out our new Specials section! Great clocks at great prices!
Call us at 918-622-5575 today!
Search this site
|
Ridgeway
1976 Bicentennial Clock
We mentioned that the Bicentennial Clock was produced by Ridgeway in honor of American's 200th Anniversary of Independence and that only 1000 of these special designed clocks were made. Here is the "rest of the story".....
As was the custom at the time, Ridgeway's production department made five prototypes as original models on which the later clocks were copied or based. These 5 clocks were hand made according to the drawings and specifications. After these prototypes were made and approved, the production machinery was set up and calibrated to machine produce 1000 more numbered clocks just like the prototypes.
Will Rogers Clock Store in Tulsa, Oklahoma sold two of the numbered edition clocks for approximately $4,000 in 1976. When we tried to re-order they were told that all the clocks had been sold and that there were only a couple of the five prototypes available. If Will Rogers wanted one of these clocks they could have it. It was the opinion of the factory representative that these clocks would become more of a collectors item than even the numbered edition clocks. And that
is the history of how this clock was acquired.
There is one difference in this clock than when it was originally shipped. All the original clocks came with chrome chains. Over a period of years the chrome links began to stretch and would not stay on the gears properly. Occasionally, the chain would slip on the gear and the weights would then slip just a little and cause the weights to vibrate. When the factory was made aware of this, they advised going back to brass chain. Most clocks by now have probably
been converted over the brass chain.
This clock has a Urgos Movement in it with the serial #143445. It is a 5 Tubular movement with a silencer on it. The polished brass and gleaming chrome five tubular bell movement was designed by Urgos of Uhrenfabrik. It is the finest available.
The face of this clock is truly unique. It is solid brass finely etched with a pewter finish. At its center is a large gilded American Eagle surrounded by polished brass Roman numerals. Above that, a moving disc notes the phrases of the moon and carries etchings depicting the Liberty Bell and the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. There is no other clock face like it.
This clock is unique in that it was not one of the original one thousand clocks. It is "truly a clock to measure centuries".
23" W x 12" D x 86" H
E-mail us the item number
of any clock
for a prompt response
or call us at 918-622-5575
|
