Antique Grandfather Clocks

Timely treasures

Whether you're at an old junk shop or a top antique dealer, you're bound to see some grandfather clocks nestled among the dolls, postcards and dishes.

Antique grandfather clocks are staples of junk shops and antique stores. Deep chimes echo among the picture frames and dusty books, and the gentle pulse of their pendulums count away the minutes, hours and years. Antique grandfather clocks evoke comfort and elegance, and often command top dollar.

By the day or by the hour

Grandfather clocks are such popular heirlooms that many antique shops devote their entire inventories to grandfather clocks. Antique grandfather are usually found in two types: eight-day and 30-hour.

 Eight-day antique grandfather clocks are wound with a key that controls the two weights. One weight keeps the clock ticking, while the other makes the grandfather clock chime.

  30-hour antique grandfather clocks are wound by a rope or chain. Only one weight regulates both the operation of the clock and its chiming.

Grand expense

Despite their variety, antique grandfather clocks all share one thing: a large price tag.  Early American clocks made prior to mass production of the 1800s particularly demand high prices.  Few of these antique grandfather clocks were built, and many pioneers venturing into the West damaged or destroyed their treasured grandfather clocks on the journey.

If you plan to explore the market of antique grandfather clocks, you'll definitely want to do a little research beforehand.

Compare and contrast pricing of similar antique grandfather clocks

Quiz the antique seller about restoration and issues of authenticity.

Ask the antique seller for a 12-month guarantee on parts.

Look for a brand. Most manufacturers of grandfather clocks place their names inside the doors of their grandfather clocks.

Many antique dealers say antique grandfather clocks often increase in value within five years. Ideally, you'll want to find an antique grandfather clock with its original patina, finish and internal mechanisms still in place.

More information on grandfather clocks