Acquiring an Antique Grandfather Clock

Despite the fact that most people nowadays use their phones to keep time, there will always be people who appreciate the beautiful design and charming sounds of antique clocks. After all, a clock is one of the few types of antique furniture that can still be used and enjoyed in its original form.

The following guide is an introduction to the grandfather clocks, the tallest and most impressive type of clock. This guide can help you get started if you want to start a collection, learn more about a family heirloom, or buy the perfect grandfather clock to complete your interior design.

The Grandfather Clock’s History

In the 1660s, English clockmakers found that a long pendulum kept time more precisely than a short one. To fit the three-foot long pendulum and weights that operated it, this new sort of clock required to stand at least six feet tall.

English longcase clocks from the “Golden Age” of clockmaking (the 1660s through the 1730s) are exceedingly expensive today. The artistry on these early clocks, which were produced in London for the greatest nobility, is exceptionally magnificent. Because just a few of these clocks come up for sale each year, most English clock collectors opt for clocks from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Tall clocks were eventually made in America as well. Before the Industrial Revolution, metal was scarce, so clockmakers in Connecticut devised wooden gears as a cheaper alternative to typical brass gears in 1815. As tall clocks became more popular and affordable, American clockmakers created unique regional varieties that are now highly sought after.

“My grandfather’s clock was too large for the shelf / so it stood ninety years on the floor,” a popular song by American songwriter Henry C. Work began in 1876. Longcase clocks are sometimes referred to as grandfather clocks because of the hymn “My Grandfather’s Clock.”.

The United Kingdom and the United States were not the only countries that made grandfather clocks. The French Comtoise clock, with its rounded “port belly” case, and the Danish Bornholk clock, with its square head and tall, boxy case, are two more variants.

The advantages of owning a grandfather clock are numerous.

Grandfather clocks can be valuable investments if they are properly maintained and refurbished. The functional antique grandfather clocks of good quality rarely cost less than $3000. The most valuable grandfather clocks, such as those constructed during the Golden Age, can cost up to $100,000.

However, the majority of people who are interested in purchasing a grandfather clock do so because they appreciate having a clock in their home. While an antique clock will never be as accurate as a modern digital clock, your grandfather clock should keep good time week after week with only a few minutes of variance.

Because buying or restoring a clock necessitates extensive research, clock collecting may be a fun way to learn about history. The design of most grandfather clocks can be used to date them back 10 or 15 years. The design trends and tastes of each decade affected the clockmaking industry.

Grandfather clocks make fantastic centrepieces for your room’s interior decor because of their regal aspect. Finally, many homeowners appreciate the melodious chimes that sound every hour, while others find that the calm ticking is enough to bring life to a space that is otherwise silent.

How much do grandfather clocks cost?

You could be startled by the price discrepancies between one clock and the next if you look through the online listings for clock stores in Dallas. Grandfather clocks, like other antiques, are valued based on their age, condition, and rarity.

Almost every ancient clock has been tampered with. Grandfather clocks were no longer considered important possessions in the late 1800s, and people who inherited them were free to replace the inner workings or repaint the dials.

It’s referred to as a “marriage” when a clock is sold with new pieces. This type of clock may look fantastic in your home, but it is not a good investment. A marriage is viewed by collectors as a “collection of pieces” rather than a priceless antique. This is why it’s crucial to do your homework before visiting a Dallas auction house or clock shop. Research can assist you in learning how to ask the appropriate questions and avoiding clocks that are not a good purchase.

When a clock stops working, it’s usually due to carelessness, damage during transportation, or shoddy repairs with ill-fitting pieces. If you acquire a “project” clock for a low price with the intention of repairing it, be aware that repairs may cost more than the clock itself.

Where to begin your collection and what to buy

Ask yourself, “Why do I want a grandfather clock?” as a starting point for your search. Is this the beginnings of a new hobby of collecting? In that scenario, you should spend some time looking at clocks from different periods in history to discover if a specific clockmaker or regional style appeals to you. Do you only desire one for the sake of appearances? You can limit down your options by selecting a clock that complements your interior design style.

Finding the perfect antique grandfather clocks for you can feel like a quest for the Holy Grail. You might be able to find it in a couple different places.

Buying an antique object directly from an antique dealer, whether in a brick-and-mortar store or at a specialised trade show, is the simplest option. Working with professionals, on the other hand, will give you with peace of mind at a higher expense. If you live in an older neighbourhood, don’t be hesitant to investigate other possibilities such as online auction and estate sales.

You might also come across some highly interesting materials at a furniture auction, giving you a wide range of alternatives. Buying an antique grandfather clock, on the other hand, may expose you to a seller’s deception, whether deliberate or not. Before acquiring antique grandfather clocks, request a large number of images so you can have a better idea of the condition your purchase will be in.