Fan mail from Florida

Hello Mr. Gary Maples:

It was my pleasure speaking with you last week and again this afternoon.

Thank you for all you kind words of advice. I appreciate your expertise and knowledge as the renowned Clock Master of London Clocks.

Thirty-five years of experienced clock making says a lot.

You have a great website; (complete with video); I feel like I have personally visited your workshop!

I have a habit of gabbing on the phone so please forgive me if I was a bit too chatty today. Perhaps I should not have engaged in a conversation of politics, fuel prices, and the airline industry woes?

Sadly to say, I doubt any of it will get better soon.

Mr. Maples, I am impressed with your business. I like a man who stands behind his product, and who is proud to put his name and reputation on it.

My father was very much like that too. He owned and ran a lighting business with my mother; they specialized in antique style street lighting with modern energy conveniences.

Dad recently passed away, but his legacy and many fond memories will continue.

I grew up in a home where he wound our grandfather clock every Sunday after Mass. I just can't imagine living with out those quarterly and hourly chimes!

Of all your many beautiful clocks, I like your simplest design, "City of Dover" which would be most suitable in my humble home.

I would be happy to send you photos of my living room, with my current Grandfather's clock, purchased about 21 years ago.

I just replaced the Hermle 561-853 Westminster single chime cable movement at a cost of $400, including tax and labor.

I bought this clock as an American Express Limited Edition Steinway "Christmas" clock; in 1987 for $2000, I believe.

The dial is decorated with an engraved brass holly motif and the pendulum is personally monogrammed.

It is a beautiful clock, with a hand rubbed Walnut finish; I should probably keep it...though I am not sure my only nephew and heir would appreciate its value and beauty.

Since you said this clock would not accommodate the tubular movement I desire, I guess it is now time to replace it with the one I wish.

So, with that said, please confirm my request for a new custom built London Clock...

City of Dover Grandfather Clock in Cherry Wood, in Sheffield Cherry finish, with the triple chime; Nine tubular Hermle movement, matching lyre pendulum, brass weights, and moon phase dial. (Deliver and installation included.) $3895 charged to my Visa Credit Card.

As per our conversation, please kindly exclude the mirrored back. (As that would be most difficult to keep clean, and rather redundant with the reflection from the nine brass tubes)

I wish to keep the lighted interior.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Of course, I gratefully appreciate any suggestions you may offer.

Respectfully,

Peter M. S.

Delray Beach, FL