Q:My rectangular clock has a round face and rows of numbers, 1 thru 80, below the face. There is a peg below each number. More numbers are in lower rows, but each has a post that is wired to the clock. What was it for?

A:It sounds like an early employee time clock. "Clocking-in clocks" were invented in 1885. Each employee had a numbered key and would put it in the hole on the front of the clock. The key number was recorded with the employee's arrival time on a paper tape. This sort of clock is interesting but does not sell well at an average shop. It is of interest to someone looking for industrial machines. Most clock buyers want a decorative clock for the front hall.