Do you have a grandfather clock and you want to know to how much its worth? And do you want to learn the means of determining the cost of long case clocks?
Read on as we provide guidelines on how you can ascertain the value of grandfather clocks like a pro.
The value of a grandfather clock
Antique grandfather clocks carry a piece of history with them. They aren’t just acquired and collected as a sole timepiece with superb timekeeping abilities but they too are celebrated witnesses of time and antiquity.
When we talk about value, naturally we refer to monetary worth; however the value of grandfather clocks does not rest on money alone, after all they are treasured pieces of history.
Emotional factors and historical importance do make a particular grandfather clock desirable and in some case increase its cost.
But we won’t tackle the sentimental value of grandfather clocks, it is forever present, yes, but when we say grandfather clock value, it’s indicative of the actual worth and price of a long case clock.
Valuation of a grandfather clock
Determining the value of grandfather clocks is best being left to the experts but if you really want to know the factors to consider here are a handful of guidelines you can consult and refer to.
There are a couple of things to ponder on before one can precisely judge the value of long case clocks. They are divided into 5 criteria namely: condition, age, maker or manufacturer, aesthetics, and mechanical complexity.
The condition of a grandfather clock
The working condition of a grandfather clock is a primary concern in knowing its value. Nobody would want to spend a large amount of hard earned money on something defective.
No grandfather clock will ever gain a high price if it is no longer functioning or if it possesses deficiency. Long case clock buyers and collectors prefer their grandfather clock in superb shape which is generally ideal.
Naturally, buyers would want an original and working grandfather clock to purchase.
The age of a grandfather clock
Antique and rare grandfather clocks are a collectors dream. The age of a grandfather clock creates a big impact on its worth. The older it is, means the more antique and rarer it has become and the higher is its cost.
It is best to determine the age of a grandfather clock before one can truly discern its price. Identifying its age maybe done by referring to the label imprinted by its maker, mostly they would mark the date of production along with their name.
However, if this is nowhere visible, then it should be best to let the experts handle it.
Clock maker and manufacturer of grandfather clock
Antique grandfather clocks are mostly built by excellent craftsman with the use of quality materials that makes long case clocks keep perfect time for many years, of course with proper care and maintenance.
A tall case clock maker’s reputation is without a doubt a chief element that contributes to the value of a grandfather clock. The influence of its maker gives boost to the worth of a long case clock, the more famous the maker, the higher the value.
Grandfather clock makers brand their masterpieces either with a name or a symbol. An antique long case clock with its maker’s label, symbol, or signature intact increases its value.
The signature of the maker is only for documentary interest and purpose, unless it is an important or a famous maker’s name, then it’s the only time that the timepiece increases its value.
Aesthetics of a grandfather clocks
The physical appearance is an important factor in estimating the value of a grandfather clock. It must not contain any bumps and bulges that might suggest a deformed description. The case patina must not bear visible scratches and unnecessary marks.
Bear in mind that the design and type of grandfather clock matters as well. The aesthetics focuses mainly on the intricate and rare details that stand out in an already stately timepiece.
When it comes to the type of timber used, oak is a more preferred choice, this is due to the fact that it is not prone to woodworms therefore expanding the lifespan of your grandfather clock and thus bestows a reasonable contribution to its value.
There are grandfather clocks that are not in totality composed of the same high quality timber. This should not be a hindrance; the only concern is that the visible parts should be of fine hardwood, the glue blocks with inferior wood type that are already obscured and are not directly visible should not affect the grandfather clock’s cost.
The materials and added components variants a grandfather clock even more. It covers the presence of precious metals, high quality hardwood, elaborate designs and other added details.
Grandfather clock mechanical complexity
The mechanical complexity of grandfather clock defines its timekeeping abilities. Checking it would require the expertise of a professional watch & clock maker. However, you can conduct your own thorough inspection on these following components:
– Pendulum – typically made of steel or brass, it helps control the speed of a tall case clock. The bottom portion of a pendulum is the bob (metal disc) that can be adjusted to either speed up pr slow down the time.
– Movements – housed between 2 brass plates and are a system of brass and steel wheels gears also known as the train.
– Escapement – controls the speed of the clock
– Balance wheel escapement – regulates the rate of movement in of the grandfather clock as well as a stabilizing influence.
– Anchor escapement – is a common recoil escapement, this anchor engages with the teeth of the escape wheel.
– Dials – the face a clock that shows the hours and minutes of the day. It is consists of several components including the dial arch, hour and minute hand, and winding holes.
– Case – houses and holds all the clock parts together in one magnificent state. The case therefore posses the art and extra details that further contribute to the charm of a grandfather clock.
Price and worth of grandfather clocks
Even if you already have an idea and an estimated worth for your grandfather clock, it is still suggestive to consult a clock maker or a clock dealer for a professional opinion, just to be totally sure.
Antique grandfather clock prices range from $ 9,000 to $ 17,000 depending on the criteria mentioned and of course with regards to the rarity of the timepiece, the age, and the type of craftsmanship that went into its production.
Mass produced grandfather clocks are generally priced cheaper starting as low as $400. But you have to be very skilled to identify the reproductions from the originals.
A tall case clock’s label suggests difference in the cost of grandfather clocks; of course major clock builders such as Howard Miller, Bulova, Ridgeway and Kieninger are more expensive than the less famous brands.
Again, there are several other factors that might contribute to its actual cost, and of course in general, something is only worth what the buyer is willing to pay for it, in this case, an elegant grandfather clock.
