The In’s and Out’s Of Buying A Grandfather Clock

In this economic downturn, now it the time to look for great deals on new and antique grandfather clocks. Some great deals can be found in this economy, but as always be careful. The final decision on which grandfather clock to buy will be based on your knowledge. In this article I will give you some steps that will help you define your style, provide you with some shopping ideas, and some pointers on what to look for when evaluating a clock.

No two grandfather clocks are the same.

It is best to create a checklist to work from. So let’s get started, get out a pen and some paper.

The basic style will directly influence the case design, so first settle on an American or European style? The next thing to consider is the time period. Do you like the 1800s, the 1900s or a more contemporary period. Is the area where the clock will sit high enough? Check the wood style and color of the grandfather clock does it need to match your décor? You will need to decide if you want a clock that will produce sounds every hour or a quiet peaceful tick-tock? The more you understand about buying a grandfather clock the better your buying assessments will be.

You can be overwhelmed by all the terms and options.. Before you run out to the local shops, look at the Antique Clock Price Guide site. They have more than 19,200 pictures of antique clocks with prices and descriptions to look at. You should find your style with more than 673 of these photographs are of Longcase/Grandfather clocks. You might consider getting a 1 month pass that gives you unlimited access to pricing and bids which could help you fix your budget.

How do you find grandfather clocks?

After checking out the local shops, don’t forget the internet, craigslist and EBay for great information and nice clocks. But I can’t see, feel or touch them you say. Welcome to the 21st century. With the new digital video cameras available, the shop owner could easily create a well lit high-quality video of every part of the grandfather clock including sound. Never buy a clock without first looking at it in person.

If you do let your emotions drive your decision you can make a bad purchase or get stuck with costly repairs. You need to know the history of this grandfather clock, where has it been, who owned it, have they a log of its repairs?

This is a good time to learn as much detail as possible about this grandfather clock. Better to find problems now than when you get it home. Taking a closer look at this grandfather clock may save you from buying into costly repairs or a clock that just will not keep time. So asking questions like what repairs or alteration or restorations have been done to this clock are good questions, don’t be afraid to ask. If the clock is over one hundred years old, repairs are normal and should not be hidden from you. You want to know if they were done right.

If you consider reselling it, knowing this information will help you in the future. Check to see if a log of repairs or alterations is available for this grandfather clock. The history of this grandfather clock will add depth, color, and character to an already great timepiece.

This is a case for a grandfather.

When examining a grandfather clock you want to look for any signs of damage, missing moldings, veneers, or decorations? Look for cracking, discoloration, or a damaged finish? Does it have the proper finish for a clock of its time?

Do not forget the flashlight, inside the case is dark. Look for parts that are missing, badly replaced parts or wood pieces, and need repairs. If you see wood that is not visible from the outside with a smooth plained surface, ask about the repair work. Two sided plaining was to expensive to be used on the interior wood of clocks more than 100 years old.

Look for different colored or finished screws Screws should have a dark color and a slot head design. Beware Phillips head screw was not patented until 1936, so what are they doing in your pre war clock.

Now check around the movement. Check for signs that a new movement was installed? If this is not the original movement this is indicated by unfilled screw holes or ghosting (faint outline of the original movement).

Check for original labeling or a signature on or near the dial, this adds value to the piece. Check that the material used on the face of the dial is consistent with the make and model originally manufactured. Check the hands, are they the right size. Make sure you have an minute hand touches the outside of the numbers? When checking the hour hand does it reach the numbers?

Is this a great movement or what.

Does the movement keep time accurately? Is the movement designed to produce a sound? How often is winding required: once every 30-hours, 8-days or is it a 31-day movement? What material is the movement made of wood, brass, or steel? Is the material consistent with the manufactures originally installed movements? Does it have a verge escapement or a pendulum or balance wheel? Check that the chime rods and hammers are working properly? If the movement uses chimes, make sure all the chimes are present and make a reasonable tone.

Check the Glass and Mirrors.

Older glass is worth more because it was not flawless. It was common to find imperfection in the glass such as small bubbles or discoloration near the edges. Check any painting to see if they are newly refinished or restored.

Now that you know what to look for you are ready to buy.

That special grandfather clock is waiting for you, I hope you find it. Just remember double-check everything you hear and verify what you read and you will be years ahead of other buyers. You will make wiser buying decisions if you put your emotions on hold till after you evaluate this grandfather clock.We have more information at grandfather clocks.