Thrift Shop Treasure for $1.65 – will it sell for more!

Posted on by rjoiner2021

Jauch had ties to one of the oldest clock-maker families in the Black Forest. The Gerbrueder Jauch company, known for manufacturing hall, wall, and mantel clocks, faced challenges in late 1979 due to export restrictions, ultimately leading to bankruptcy in 1986.

Jauch schoolhouse-style clock
Jauch schoolhouse-style clock

Renowned for providing affordable yet attractive clocks for average households, Gerbrueder Jauch GmbH produced clocks like the drop octagon schoolhouse-style clock, reminiscent of classic American designs. However, within the realm of German clockmakers, I would not place this particular maker among the elite. In terms of comparison to American counterparts, it aligns more closely with companies like the Sessions Clock Company, the company that provided clocks for the average home.

Measuring 23 inches in height, 15 inches in width, and nearly 5 inches in depth, this clock very closely resembles the dimensions of schoolhouse clocks from over a century ago. Unlike antique American clocks with oak cases, this one features a more cost-effective pine case.

Jauch wall with calendar clock with flip-up dial bezel
Jauch clock with flip-up dial bezel

Its bezel adopts a flip-up design for winding, distinguishing it from clocks with right-swinging dial bezel doors.

The clock bears the inscription “Western Germany” on the dial and movement, with the movement stamped with a production date of July 1979. For history enthusiasts, it’s noteworthy that German reunification took place in 1989, simplifying the dating of clocks from this era.

Jauch wall clock with a faux regulator case
Another Jauch wall clock with a faux regulator case, a customer’s clock

This clock requires a very long key for winding, which may pose a challenge even for some collectors that have an abundance of spare keys.

The clock’s issues, suspected to be related to the anchor escapement or potential bushing wear in the top part of the train, present an interesting repair challenge.

Despite being a non-functional find, purchased for a mere $1.65 at a local thrift shop, the clock has some potential for restoration. Thrift shops often price items low for quick turnover, and this vintage mechanical clock, though uncommon among donated goods, offers promise. While the case may show signs of wear, a thorough cleaning and a fresh clear-coat finish can easily revive its appearance.

Given the absence of basic issues, apart from a scuffed-up case, restoring this Jauch clock to working order should be a manageable task, making it worthy of a price of more than $1.65, I would think.

While clock sales aren’t my usual trade, occasionally, I part with clocks to cover supplies and fund additions to my growing collection.

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2 thoughts on “Thrift Shop Treasure for $1.65 – will it sell for more!”

  1. Thank you for this article, I recently bought a similar schoolhouse type clock at a thrift store for 10$. It was marked as not running/parts only. I got it home and discovered if I put something behind the base of the clock pushing it out from the wall about 3/4 of an inch that it runs perfectly. I haven’t looked at the movement but I’m betting it may be by the same company. It says Western Germany at the bottom of the face of the clock, and the face opens the same way with the hinge at the top. This clock, however, says Colonial on the face, but I wasn’t able to find out much by searching that manufacturer name. Thanks again!

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