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 more knowledge you gain when looking for a grandfather clock the better your purchase will be. 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.
Because grandfather clocks are hand made no two are alike.
It is best to work from a list when evaluating a grandfather clock, get out a pen and some paper.
Early on it is best to limit your choices to either a European or American style? Next you want to consider the time period. Do you like the 1800s, the 1900s or a more contemporary period. Make sure to check for any height limits? Does your current décor require a specific color or wood type? If sound is important to you, then do you like the Westminster Chime sound or the "Big-Ben" hour gong? There are always more questions you will need to ask when buying a grandfather clock.
With the colors and styles, and clock faces it can all be a bit overwhelming. 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. With such a large selection you should find your style of grandfather clock. You might consider getting a 1 month pass that gives you unlimited access to pricing and bids which could help you fix your budget.
Shopping for your grandfather clock?
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. In the past it would have been difficult, but not today. 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. Before purchasing a grandfather clock it must be looked at in person or by someone you trust.
Great, you found that special clock, but wait till you have it looked over so you do not make a decision based on emotions. 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. The more you learn now the happier you will be 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. It is not uncommon to find repairs done on a clock that is over one hundred years old. 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.
Are there hidden problems in the grandfather case.
A grandfather clock should not have any signs of damage or missing moldings, mold, mildew, or discoloration? Check the finish for cracking, color change or damage? Does it have the proper finish for a clock of its time?
Remember, you will need a flashlight. You are looking for repairs, cracks, checking, warp age, or joints failing because of age. If you see wood that is not visible from the outside with a smooth plained surface, ask about the repair work. If the clock is more than 100 years old, remember that most work was hand done and never done where it would not be seen.
Look for improper 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. Is this the original factory movement? 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. Check the minute hand, does it cover the numbers? Check that the hour hand reaches the numbers and does not overlap?
Check the Clock Movement.
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? Make sure any repairs used the same material as the original? What type of escapement; Pendulum, balanced wheel, or verge? Check that the chime rods or gong or bells are all working? 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.
If everything check out you are ready to buy.
Good luck and I hope your are better armed to find that special grandfather clock. The more informed you are the better change you have of getting that special one of a kind clock. At this point it is best to put your emotions on hold till the evaluation is complete.We have more information available at grandfather clocks.
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