TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Clock Has Been Chiming Since The 1920s

ADVERTISEMENT

By JAY MOORE

Tribune correspondent

Published: July 3, 2008

We inherited our clock from my husband's grandparents.

Stamped on the back of the movement is "unghans" inside an eight-point star, with the letter "J" below "unghans" and the stamped mark "Germany."

What can you tell us?

B.L.

Erhard Junghans and partners established a factory in the Black Forest in 1861 to make clock parts. Five years later, it was producing complete clocks and began using the brand name Junghans. The star mark was first used in 1890.

By 1903, Junghans was the world's largest clockmaker. It also produced watch movements. In 1950, the Diehl group bought controlling interest. At the same time, Junghans began producing electric clocks. It is still in business.

At first, Junghans mostly made wall clocks, but it soon expanded its line. It manufactured a huge variety of clocks over the years.

This bracket-style clock with chimes was made in the 1920s. It would retail for about $295.

My wife bought our glass cream pitcher and sugar bowl from a friend years ago. They are heavy and unmarked. We believe the glass is about 125 years old.

Please tell me about the maker, age and value.

C.M.

Zephyrhills

Your American cut glass was made between 1876 and 1914, the so-called American Brilliant Period of cut glass. During this period, the American cut glass industry reached its zenith in terms of quality.
American cut glass became very popular after it was displayed in 1876 at the Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia.

Soon, there were many makers producing thousands of patterns. Among well-known manufacturers are Dorflinger, T.G. Hawkes, Libbey and Tuthill.

I cannot identify the pattern or maker from your photograph. There may be an acid etched mark. To look for it, hold the glass under strong light and search the smooth, interior surfaces.

Retail value is $125.

Have a question about antiques? E-mail a complete description with a clear image (.jpg) to athome@tampatrib.com. Include a name, address and daytime phone number. Regular mail can be sent with clear photographs (plain-paper prints or Polaroids may not be

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT