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Kroeber Clocks
- American & Imported
by
Tran Duy Ly
Published 2006 by
Arlingtonbooks.com
215 Shadowood Drive - Johnson City - Tennessee 37604 USA
Phone:
423-283-9004
- Fax:
423-283-9001
Email:
tranduyly@aol.com
584 pages - 8 1/2 x 11 - Over 2000 quality illustrations and
photographs in both black and white and in color.
Smyth sewn hardbound on white gloss enamel text with 2006 Price Update,
$73.00.
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Over the past year, I've had the privilege to work with Tran Duy Ly to
make the first ever comprehensive reference book on Florence Kroeber a reality.
In my opinion Tran's new "Kroeber Clocks - American & Imported" book is an
outstanding reference and guide to the life, work, and clocks, of Florence
Kroeber.
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As a collector of Kroeber's clocks for the past twenty five years, I've
had limited information, in terms of authentic reference books, on the clocks
Kroeber manufactured over the forty eight years he was in business. Now, for
the first time, there is an accurate and authentic book on Kroeber's clocks
available for all collectors.
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The book has over two thousand illustrations in both black and white and
in color. There is a biography of Kroeber's personal and business life
written by Chris Bailey, America's leading horological expert. The book includes
catalog pictures and clock photos of Kroeber's vast line of clocks that he
manufactured, imported, and others that he offered for sale over his many years of
conducting business in New York City.
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By using never before published original Kroeber catalogs, dating back
to the Company's beginnings in 1866, the collector can see the evolution of
Kroeber's clocks that competed successfully with other much larger clock
manufacturers of the time. The mystery of the Fuller & Kroeber "misprinted labels"
is solved....and much more.
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Tran has brought this comprehensive book to a reality after extensive
research and historical documentation. He has applied his high professional
standards and publishing talents to produce a book that will be "the" Kroeber
Reference Book for today's collectors....and for future collectors.
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I'm pleased to have played a small part in helping to bring the long
overdue Florence Kroeber story to the attention of clock collectors....and
somehow....and somewhere....I believe my great grand uncle is very pleased.
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Thank you Tran, for this outstanding book.
C. Kent Kroeber
Tuxedo Park, New York
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Review by Richard W. Oliver, Jr. "The Clock Guy"
Stand up and start clapping, 'cause here comes a much-needed MAJOR contribution
to American horology, the new Kroeber Clocks book by Tran Duy Ly.
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The Straight Scoop From A Kroeber Descendant
In cooperation with direct descendant and major collector Kent Kroeber
(who undisputedly owns the world's largest collection of Kroeber clocks),
Tran has assembled a major new documentary of the extremely interesting
Kroeber clock making and importing firm. This new Kroeber book is a must
for any serious collector of American clocks.
Until now, information about Kroeber clocks has been scattered at best, with
photos limited to the occasional online displays, most of which lack clarity.
Now, thanks to Kent Kroeber providing access to a vast array of original Kroeber
catalogues as well as professional photographs of his collection of over 400
Kroeber clocks, you'll see not only original catalogue drawings dating back
to the 1860s, but also contemporary photos of many of those clocks in beautifully
restored condition. A groundbreaking triumph in horological publishing!
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Previously Unknown Facts Revealed
In the Kroeber history section, carefully compiled by Chris Bailey, you'll
read the complete story of Florenz Friederick Martin Kroeber. You'll learn
that he was a savvy marketer who hit the road to become acquainted and develop
personal relationships with his jeweler clientele, and how he developed
sophisticated designs that kept him top-of-mind in his target audience.
You'll also learn some of his little quirks, like how he used the same model
name on as many as four different clocks over the years; how he created the
perception that his company was much larger than it actually was by publishing
numerous catalogues of French clocks that he imported; and you'll learn the
true and extremely interesting facts about the mysterious "Fuller & Kroeber" label.
Fortunately, Kroeber was an early-adopter of photography, so many of his
clocks were presented not only as catalogue drawings, but also as photos.
This was a truly remarkable young man and this is a truly remarkable book.
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The De-Facto Source For Horological Information
And, speaking of remarkable young men (well he used to be young), Tran Duy Ly
fits that bill, too! He has documented American horology like no other author
or publishing house. The de-facto standard for American collectors, his books
are well organized and clearly present the progress of American clockmakers and
their firms as well as documenting and valuating the various models of each.
Until now there has been a "black hole" of information about Kroeber clocks.
But, once again, Tran brings bright light to the subject with his Kroeber Clocks
book and accompanying Price Guide. It's a book you need now; one you'll truly enjoy
reading, and to which you'll refer many times in the coming years. Don't buy another
Kroeber clock without this book in your possession and, like us, if you are a clock
dealer, you'd be crazed not to have this book at your fingertips!
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RICHARD W. OLIVER, Jr.
NAWCC #35749
www.clockguy.com
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