Can't find much info on Colonial Man. Co. Model 1640

[phoenixx]

Hello,
I was curious to know if anybody had some info for the Colony Model 1640 grandfather clock made by Colonial Manufacturing Co. We have one in the family and I'd like to get as much info on it as possible as this is quickly becoming a new hobby for me.

The markings inside the clock are:
Colonial Manufacturing Co.
1640 CO-2
162-53
Veeland, MI

Can someone confirm what the numbers mean? I'm guessing the model and serial...

Thanks for any input

 

[Tinker Dwight]

Hi
The 1640 is most likely the case style. The other
is most likely their movement number.
Since they put all kinds of movements in their clocks,
A good picture of the back of the movement might
help some. It should clearly show the entire back and
maybe a close up of any marks.
Tinker Dwight

Oh! and it is Zeeland not Veeland.

 

[soaringjoy]

Welcome to the message board, phoenixx.

Indeed, pictures would help.
In the meantime, if you do a message board search on
"Colonial" or "Zeeland", that might also provide you some help.

Jurgen

 

[Andy Dervan]

Hello,

Model 1640 was introduced after WWII; I first found it listed in their 1949 catalog; it was a Mahogany case available with three different movements and three different case finishes. Its price (unsure if this was wholesale or retail) varied from $ 304 to $ 448 depending on movement chosen.

Andy Dervan

 

[vbinder]

I just acquired my grandfather's "Grandfather's Clock". It was made by the Colonial Manufacturing Company of Zeeland, Michigan. The clock contained the original 5 x 7 card that came with the clock titled, "Keep these Instructions for Reference". It is a Chain Wind - Rod Chime Movement, Movement No. 44 & Case No. 1640. There are 12 instructions listed on the card. the 1st 7 detail the set up of the clock. #8 - When setting or regulating the clock, we recommend turning the hands backward instead of forward. If however, the hands are turned forward, one must wait at each quarter until the clock has chimed. If the clock fails to chime correctly or at all, it is probably adjusting itself and will chime and strike correctly within the hour. #9 - If the clock stops, usually the verge needs adjusting. to adjust: Open front door of clock and turn the adjusting screw (located on the pendulum hanger and above the pendulum stick) either to the right or left, until when the pendulum is swinging the clock emits an even tick. #11 - Do not move the clock after it is once running, without having first removed the weights and pendulum. #12 - This clock has been oiled before leaving the factory and should not require further oiling for at least one year, at which time, using a small wire, apply a drop of good oil to the bearings. I believe that my grandfather bought this clock from the L. S. Ayres Department Store in Indianapolis in the late forties.