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Latest estate sale find

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

Elgin MCM starburst clock ❤️

But it doesn’t work! 😡 So now I am contacting local clock repair. It is battery operated and a new fresh battery didn’t do it. Ugh. But it will be beautiful once working.

My mother had an electric one and no one knows what happened to it. None of my siblings remember where it went, and none of them have it. I thought my brother who just passed away had it, but he did not.

Featured Answer

jmck_nc

2 years ago

I love it! I have a similar one that doesn't work but I have it on a wall with other clocks (batteries removed) all set to 5:00 near our bar area. It makes me laugh.

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Comments (29)

Jilly
2 years ago
That is fabulous! Love it.
gsciencechick thanked Jilly
maddielee
2 years ago
Great find!

It’s usually not hard to replace the innards to get it working.
gsciencechick thanked maddielee
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sas95
2 years ago
Love that! I have never had much luck at estate sales, but I admire people who do!
gsciencechick thanked sas95
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
2 years ago
Oh wow - what a cool find!

And I'm wondering if the battery works were a replacement for the original?
gsciencechick thanked carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
jill302
2 years ago
Very cool, great find!
gsciencechick thanked jill302
1929Spanish-GW
2 years ago
Love it!
Sharon Fullen
2 years ago
It is really a DIY repair. Simple and quick.
teeda
2 years ago
Awesome find!
Rory (Zone 6b)
2 years ago
I love it!! My DGM had one in her house but your's is much nicer!
gsciencechick thanked Rory (Zone 6b)
Re Tired
2 years ago
Fantastic
Allison0704
2 years ago
Nice!
gsciencechick thanked Allison0704
nutsaboutplants
2 years ago
Cool, very cool!
gsciencechick thanked nutsaboutplants
gsciencechick
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks!

It may end up being DIY because 2 places have already told me they do not work on battery clocks. The one guy’s page was really cool because he maintains the clocks at the Biltmore house. I’ve got 2 more to contact and I think one is closed on Saturdays.

I will need to find a YouTube video. I’m sure someone’s done something with a similar type of clock.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
2 years ago
Well, even if you can't get it to work, it can still be decorative - and it will show the correct time twice a day...😄
gsciencechick thanked carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
dedtired
2 years ago
Brings back memories. My mom had one that was similar. I wonder what became of it. great find!
gsciencechick thanked dedtired
maggieq
2 years ago
If you don't want to attempt yourself, check with Fos Restoration in Huntersville. Small shop, cool MCM pieces. If they can't help, they might recommend someone who will. Good luck. Cool piece!
gsciencechick thanked maggieq
gsciencechick
Original Author
2 years ago
Maggieq, thanks for that resource. That's some nice stuff! I really am hoping that not only can I get the mechanics working, that a pro would do some sort of overall cleanup on it. I wiped it, but it could probably use some mineral/wood oil on it. I think it is teak.

I really want to get it to work! with our new larger TV, we can't fit a clock on our stand anymore, so it would be nice to put this on the wall behind the TV.
Zalco/bring back Sophie!
2 years ago
Gorgeous!
gsciencechick thanked Zalco/bring back Sophie!
ljwrar
2 years ago
If it becomes a DIY project, this company may be able to help. I've never used them, but they were recommended on another site I frequent. www.klockit.com
blubird
2 years ago
To replace the battery movement, you really only need to know the thickness of the panel the movement is mounted to and make sure it is compatible with the length of the hands of the clock and can run a second hand. The actual replacing should just take minutes.
gsciencechick thanked blubird
czarinalex
2 years ago
great find!
rubyclaire
2 years ago
What a fabulous find!!
seagrass_gw Cape Cod
2 years ago
jmck_nc Very clever!
gsciencechick thanked seagrass_gw Cape Cod
cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
2 years ago
That is a terrific find! Beautiful clock. Lucky you.
gsciencechick thanked cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
lolokz
2 years ago
There's a clock shop in Pittsfield MA. I haven't used them but the work on antique clocks. Granted, MCM is not antique, but you can ask.
gsciencechick thanked lolokz
Missi (4b IA)
2 years ago
What a great find! my grandparents had a ton of MC—really wish I could swing back in time to get them instead of being auctioned off or taken to goodwill.
gsciencechick thanked Missi (4b IA)
gsciencechick
Original Author
2 years ago
Good news update! Found someone willing to work on the clock! So, I will probably be taking it towards the end of the week since I have to, unfortunately, go back to school in person every day this week.
jakabedy
2 years ago
Lovely!
gsciencechick thanked jakabedy