WHO IS TRAN DUY LY
Tran Duy Ly At the last Philadelphia Clock meeting, a friend came by and had a long chat.  When he left, I asked myself "Who was that?"

Now Mrs. Cresson emailed and said to clock collecting she is new.  She sees my name everywhere and asks "Who are you?"

So I ask you what should I do to give Mrs. Cresson an answer of reason?
Tran

In a message dated 1/3/01 11:14:23 PM,  luke1313@juno.com writes:

Dear Mr. Ly -

Forgive my impulsive query - as a "new" enthusiast to horology I find your name everywhere and have a number of your books on my "wish list" for future gifts.

But.....  I would like to know "who are you".  Sorry for the stupid question.  I apologize - - I am sure you're probably up there with the likes of "Harrison" or "Terry".

If its not to much trouble, could you get back to me?

Thanking you in advance,
A neophyte clock lover..........

Mrs. John Cresson

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From Bill Mittlestadt,
Sheboygan, WI  wmit@execpc.com

Dear Mrs. John Cresson:


First of all that was not a stupid question and secondly welcome to the world of horology.  You will find this to be a very rewarding hobby and will meet some of the nicest people around.  If you are not yet a member of the NAWCC (National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors) you should seriously
consider joining as this will open up many avenues of collecting which will enrich your knowledge of the hobby.  

 

Tran Duy Ly's books are considered the bible of clock collecting and for good reason as they have been meticulously written by Tran Duy Ly with the help of some of the most gifted people in the profession. Tran has been writing books on pricing clocks for almost 20 years and has amassed more knowledge on the subject that any one I know of. 

 

The person or persons that pointed you toward Tran Duy Ly have done you a favor as it was very sound advice.  I hope this short note helps introduce you to Tran Duy Ly, a good friend of mine and fellow collector.  William Mittelstadt who has been honored many times to contribute to his fine books.

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From Bill Gregory, Johnson City, TN  wbg123@excite.com

Dear Mrs. John Cresson,


The question "Who is Tran Ly" can be easily be answered by anyone affiliated with the NAWCC or familiar with the world of Horology.  For the past thirty years Tran Ly has compiled thorough, detailed, accurate information on clocks and transferred it into clear, precise, top quality masterpieces.  It only
takes a few moments of his time to easily see the wealth of knowledge he posseses.  I have only had the pleasure of knowing Tran Ly for almost one year now, and hope that I will continue to learn from him for years to come.

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From John Tanner,
Upland, CA  Clockfan@eee.org

Tran:


Shame on you!  What is Vicki going to put on your Tombstone? Thomas Jefferson was modest: "author of the Declaration of Independence, added the Louisiana Purchase, and founder of the University of Virginia.

"Tran Duy Ly:  successful immigrant, generous and patient father and husband, successful publisher of horological books and price guides.  Advanced collector of French, American and English clocks and novelties of importance.........

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From Ron Price, Natick, MA  rprice@pricelessads.com

Wow, one of the most well known and respected persons in the antique clock business is Tran Duy Ly.  (You can quote me)  Don't you have a biography of your background?

Cheers,

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From Rick Merritt, Douglassville, PA rickm914@msn.com


Dear Tran,

You are a husband, a father, Christian, author, researcher, clock collector, business owner, salesman, and friend.  This is my general answer.  But you are more than that.

You are ambitious, dedicated, loving, trustworthy, and you have a strong work ethic.  Your character and moral values are the highest.  Your generosity to your family is without question.  I admire your perseverance in pursuit of your objectives.  Too many people today have no perseverance.  If a task
appears too difficult, they give up.  You have made a very successful life in what used to be a foreign country to you with a different culture than you were accustomed.  You have achieved thus far in life far more than most American born people with more resources and a familiar culture.  That alone speaks to your character. 

 

I'm proud to know you Tran and will always be honored to call you my friend.  I realize with our busy schedules we don't take enough time to interact on a personal basis, but please know that if there is ever anything I can do for you or help you in any personal way, please call on me.

Best regards from your friend,

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In a message dated 1/11/01 9:41:00 AM, MPeer1 writes:

Hi Tran,

I'm not sure how to answer your question, but I'll give it a try. <SMILE> You are an antique clock Icon!  One who has brought much knowledge to the common clock collector with your fabulous books on American clocks. everyone in the trade refers to the books you write to identify clocks.  You are the MAN!

Me?  I'm just another clock dealer with a catchy name, Mark of Time... stop by the web site www.markoftime.com and you will know more.   My new email address is Mail@markoftime.com.

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In a message dated 1/15/01 10:27:07 AM, theclockguy@clockguy.com writes:

My Dear Mrs. Creason:

Inscribed on the East and West Pavillions of the US Post Office in Washington DC you will find the following:

"Carrier of news and knowledge, instrument of trade and commerce, promoter of mutual acquaintance among men and nations and hence of good will."

Such a statement is representative of the contribution Tran Duy Ly has made to the world of horology.  He is a wise and respected man. We should all be so fortunate to have others speak of us with such esteem!

Richard W. Oliver, Jr.
The Clock Guy - America's Antique Brokerage
Vista, CA

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In a message dated 1/15/01 11:07:16 PM, Bbnawcc writes:

Who is Tran Duy Ly?

He is a very caring person who enjoys helping others. You have found a new avenue in your life, and met a great guy on your way.


Betty Brown
National Director-One of ten

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In a message dated 1/29/01 4:55:07 PM, ky-clarky@webtv.net writes:

Dear Mrs. John Cresson,

I trust you will not mind this intrusion into your personal life but after reading your letter to Mr. Tran Duy Ly I knew I just had to express my feelings in a response to your question.

It is my private belief that in our wide spread horological world Tran must be considered a true "National Treasure".  His personal efforts and untiring energy has given us a fabulous library of horological literature which has taken our knowledge to ever increasing heights.  The scope and detail in his books is indeed awesome.

As far as our personal world is concerned, he is without a doubt an honored colleague whose tremendous generosity, perpetual cordiality, and supreme dedication to the association are truly unequalled.  I consider it a sincere distinction to be considered as being one of his friends.

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From Tom & Sonya Spittler, New Carlisle, Ohio

Please tell Mrs. Creason
that there is a reason
why your books are best
and not like the rest.

You give us the books
with the very best looks
packed with info inside
and a current price guide.

Dear Tran,

You are the most productive writer of American clock books ever.  Your undertaking of producing a book on each of the major Connecticut manufacturers is without equal and your books will stand the test of time for at least 100 years.

You are a man with unlimited dreams and ambition.  The fact that you have written 18 major books and reprinted countless old catalogs speaks to that ambition.  The fact that you have drafts of books on 400-day clocks, early longcase clocks, european clocks, international hanging clocks, cuckoo clocks, chronometers and early American clocks speaks of your dreams.

You are also blessed with a wonderful wife, Vicky, who manages all the day-to-day business and gives you time to pursue your dreams.

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In a message dated 5/18/01 6:14:20 AM, babzdrake@hotmail.com writes:

Dear Tran,

These emails are absolutely priceless.  And every one is true, from what I (who have been collecting clocks for only a few months) already know.  What I can add, from the few times we have met or spoken, is that you are a truly humble, enthusiastic expert, who has been helpful and friendly to me, as I try to learn about the subject to which you have devoted so many years.  It did not take me long at all to know why you are an icon in the clock-collecting community.


Barbara Drake

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In a message dated 7/17/01 1:09:50 PM, Klockedout@aol.com writes:

    Tran Duy Ly should be the benchmark by which all of publications, no, all work efforts should be held; in no other single endeavor have I known of such comprehensive and exhaustive investigation.  I said single endeavor,... look at "His" list of his publications.  In his lifetime only after immigration did he compile THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE collection of published reference material in the world related to his field and interests!  His unsurpassed standards of excellence, accuracy, comprehension, and thoroughness, are only and all outweighed by the fact that he maintains the ability to continue a cohesive and friendly relationship with so many different people of so vastly different origins.  People, for the most part pale in their donation to mankind on such a worldy scale by comparison to Tran."

David Warner
  FNAWCC

Manchester, MO

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