My two cents...
You're never going to make a mint on a spike clock. They're very common (there are usually about 3 a week on ebay); and they're relatively inexpensive. Accordingly, if you want to enjoy your clock and have it actually tell time, by all means have the battery-powered motor installed. Of course, depending on cost, you might want to just consider buying the Vitra model, which comes that way, and preserve the model you have.

If it were a rarer Nelson clock, I would try to dissuade you from altering it in any respect. It significantly devalues the clock to most collectors.

Thanks for the input. We...
Thanks for the input.

We do own some Vitra clocks now and are happy with them. This was just a clock we received for free and are hoping to put to good use. I just talked to the clock shop and it sounds like the arms would need to be replaced also when the motor is replaced. Obviously not a fan of this option and assume this also means losing the second hand, again not something I want. So maybe we'll just hang for display and to admire.

And if I do run out of space for all my junk, which I am dangeroulsy close to any day, Whitespike you'll be the first person I contact to keep it safe for me :)

Assuming that this is model 2202, then
all of the above comments are correct. Black spikes and brass center with the proper Nelson hands (hour hand is black with a brown tip and the minute hand is black with a grey tip) as well as the second hand,

2202A Sunburst 19"
White center, birch spokes. Black hands with accents of orange and grey
2202B Sunburst 19"
White center, walnut spokes. Black hands with accents of orange and grey
2202C Sunburst 19"
Black center, white spokes. Black hands with accents of orange and grey
2202E Sunburst 19"
Brass center, black spokes. Black hands with accents of orange and grey
2202M Sunburst 19"
White center, multicolor spokes. Black hands with accents of orange and grey

However, there WAS a large Sunburst clock and it's darn rare:
2230B Large Sunburst 30"
White center, walnut spokes. Black hands with accents of orange and grey
2230E Large Sunburst 30:
Brass center, black spokes. Black hands with accents of orange and grey

probably all of the variants exist for 2230, but these are what I have discovered thus far.

As far as the direct plug in the back, any good clock or electrian can remove it and instyall a regular electric cord and plug.

You beat me to it Barry. ...
You beat me to it Barry. (Though really, it's a DIY sort of thing -- definitely no professionals required.)

I think I saw that large one on eBay
as the price got way out of my price range! Really cool for you to have one.

As far as changing the direct plug to a cord, I'm not troubled by electric cords. The problem with those direct-plug models, is to change them to a cord is a bit more complicated.

The electric cord clocks had a solid flat back plate that allowed the clock to sit solid against the wall and their was a notch hole for the cord to run down without affecting that solid back. If you just changed the wires for a cord, your clock would rest on the cord, not the back of the clock and it would sit uneven on the wall.

I've never bought one of those direct plug clocks, but I have imagined that you might be able to remove the plug and flip the back around so the flat inside would be the new flat outside. Then all you'd have to do is make a cord notch on the bottom of the clock.

This is my Spike or Starburst clock
#2202

This clock was certainly the most popular of the Nelson clocks with the exception of the Ball clock. Lots of 'em around, to be sure...but I'm lucky to win the electric clock below, which, to my eyes, is probably the best color combination.

(It did come with a second hand, but I keep moving it around to electric clocks I've gotten more recently)!

Oh sure, plenty more were. ...
Oh sure, plenty more were. The wind-up movements seem to be attached to a certain period of time in Howard Miller's history, not just to certain models. I don't know when they stopped using wind-ups, but, if we can determine that (didn't a few people buy a horde of reproduction catalogs a while back?) then we can pretty much determine which had wind-up and which couldn't possibly have it. I've seen at least four other models with wind-ups -- the eye clock, the sunflower clock (I think), and...I don't recall the name of the other two unfortunately...fairly obscure models though.

Nelson Grandfather Clock?
I had seen some of you comment with passion and expertise on prices and models of Nelson Clocks in the past and wonder what you think of the clock I see presently listed on eBay:

I have never owned a Nelson Clock before, but I found this same Grandfather Clock recently. The seller seems optimistic on the pricing of his/her listing since it appears that three of the five finials are missing from the top, and the wood panel covering the works in back is also missing. The pictures don't exactly give a complete picture of condition. The form certainly isn't an iconic example, but what do you collectors think of this clock? I'd love to know... thanks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Howard-Miller-Grandfather-Clock-by-Geor8...

Thanks Barry!
I was hoping you, a knowledgeable collector, would respond. Mine is, according to your kindly supplied brochure info is:
2256c Walnut wood with padded green velvet.

Olive Green Velveteen may be making a comeback, but probably not at that price in this market.

Thanks Again

I agree, MidMod
the clock has to be near perfect and still, it's not worth the amazing prices often being asked.

I guess it's because it's the one vintage floor model clock Nelson's gang designed at the height of their Howard Miller relationship.

On the other hand, isn't amazing how expensive any table model clock fetches? To date, I don't have a single table model clock because I'm not willing to pay the ridiculous prices...heck, I won't even spring for a Vitra one! Yet I have over 38 wall clocks..........go figure.