Factors to Consider When Buying an Antique Grandfather Clock

 

 

Factors to Consider When Buying an Antique Grandfather Clock

 

Clocks come with many considerations, depending on their type. Below is listed some factors to consider when looking through a selection of grandfather clocks.

 

 

• Size - Since that they can stand to over two meters tall, it is important to be sure they can fit where required.

• Components - Antique clocks are over one hundred years old and some of the internal pieces may have been replaced with modern parts, changing their value.

• Condition - A buyer should check to see if any wood finishing or glass is damaged or scratched.

• Price Comparison - If there are clocks of similar make and age on eBay, a buyer should compare prices.

• Does it Work? - A simple but important factor as some old clocks may no longer tell accurate time without expensive maintenance.

• Transport - Antique clocks are precision instruments, discuss with the eBay sellers a suitable transportation arrangement

 

 

 

Typical Features of Antique Grandfather Clocks

1. Pendulum

Swinging back and forth in the cabinet of the clock, pendulums can often be ornately designed from a variety of metals, with symmetrical patterns on the lyre and differently sized bobs.

2. Woodwork

The carpentry behind antique grandfather clocks is often shaped and carved in attractive fashions, with special consideration taken to the bonnet on the top of the cabinet.

 

3. Wood Type

Antique clocks are often regarded for the wood that they are built from, such as oak, beech or mahogany. The difference in wood species will often not only change the value, but also the colour and weight of the piece.

 

4. Chimes

Most grandfather clocks have an hourly chime, as well as a second-by-second tick. Chimes vary in their amplitude and frequency, but are often on the half and quarter hour, as well as the hour. The chimes most commonly found in grandfather clocks are known as Westminster Chimes.

 

5. Face

Every antique grandfather clock has a unique, and often carefully crafted face. Exhibiting both the clock’s hands and also the moon dial, there are many intricate differences to their designs.

 

6. Winding Mechanism

Antique grandfather clocks generally come with one of two options for winding: a key, or a falling weight. Keys are placed in the clock’s keyhole and turned, whereas weights are pulled up to their starting position using a chain.

 

 

 

 

How to Care for Antique Grandfather Clocks

Maintaining an antique grandfather clock can help it function for years to come. Below are listed some approaches to their care.

 

 

• As with most antique clocks, do not allow a grandfather clock to overheat as it may warp the fragile components and damage the exterior. Grandfather clocks should not be placed too close to working fireplaces, and should be left out of direct sunlight.

• Treat a clock’s antique wood finish in the same fashion to antique wood furniture, ensuring dust, moisture and pests do not jeopardise its quality.

• An antique grandfather clock is generally hand-wound, and must be wound regularly taking care not to overwind.

• Care should be taken with the moving of pendulum clocks, as damage can occur with untimed movement of the pendulum. It is suggested that the pendulum be removed before relocation.

• When changing the time, care should be taken to only wind the minute hand counter clockwise.

• If cleaning the cabinet, a slightly damp cloth may be used, but care must be taken to not use silicone-based polish as it can harm the clock’s finish.

 

Due to their complexity and engineering, antique grandfather clocks should have any serious repair or cleaning performed by a professional.

 

 

Popular Antique Grandfather Clock Manufacturers

• Allam and Clements

• John Clement and Son

• William Barrow

• Thomas Bullock

• Thomas Cartwright

• Matthew and Thomas Dutton

• Peter Fearnley

• John Fernhill

• Thomas Hackney

• Edward Harrison

• Nathaniel Hedge

• Holmes

• James Howden

• Thomas Johnson

• William Lassell

• Alexander Miller

• Peddie Stirling

• Daniel Quare

• Thomas Ross

• John Snelling

• Trubshaw

• Thomas Worswick

• Thomas Wright

• Henry Young

 

 

Finding Antique Grandfather Clocks on eBay

 

Once you determine the type of antique grandfather clock you want to purchase, visit the Antiques portal on eBay, select Clocks and start searching item listings. The Categories list on the left-hand side of the eBay page helps to narrow the search.