What Is The Selling Price Of Your Grandfather Clock.
I have been getting a lot of inquiries lately on how one would evaluate the value of a grandfather clock. Let?s take a look at some of the key points in evaluating a grandfather clock.
What is the general condition of the grandfather clock?
Before we get started it is best to be in the right frame of mind. You will need to detach yourself from the old friend or family heirloom. The more detached you are the more unbiased and fair your will be. You must look at value from the buyer?s point of view. If this is not possible than get a friend or coworker to do the evaluation. Assuming you can do it yourself, or have found someone, let?s start with the overall state of the grandfather clock.
To simplify the process I have included twenty questions that you will rate from zero to five. Zero is bad or needs repair and five is great or near factory fresh. Now be reasonable and sincere; it is important that you don?t overrate the grandfather clock evaluation but at the same time don?t underrate the value either. This is where an appraiser has an advantage: they have seen many grandfather clocks and have an internal gauge, if you will ? something to compare an evaluation against. Let?s get started. Either download the ?Eval.pdf? on my website or you can use a notepad.
The grandfather clock appraisal questionnaire.
1. Is the clock running? (5 ? yes otherwise 0)
2. Is the grandfather clock keeping accurate time?
3. Do the bells or chimes function correctly?
4. Does the clock have moon phase dial that is work and looks nice?
5. Do the weights look clean and properly cared for?
6. Does the clock face look good and well cared for?
7. Rate the appearance of the pendulum, (does it look bright and clean?) from zero to five.
8. Does the pendulum swing smoothly and without bumps?
9. Are the clock hands original, straight and bright?
10. Are the correct and original hands (may take some research) installed for the second, minute and hour hand?
11. Is this the original gear train and has it been rebuilt in the last year?
12. Has the grandfather clock been oiled every year you have owned it (0-never, 1-once, 2-twice, 3-every other year, 4-every year, 5-every six months)
13. Has any cabinet glass been replaced?
14. Is this the original glass (if older than 100 years it should have a discoloration and possible bubbles)?
15. Are all parts present (keys, exterior parts (wood or metal))?
16. Rate the condition of the grandfather clock case.
17. Rate the case damage (many dents=0, some bad dents=1, some dents=3, minor dings, none=5)?
18. Do all the sliding doors (glass/wood) and hinged doors work properly?
19. What is the condition of the cabinet finish (1=damaged to 5=perfect)?
20. Rate the color change from one side to the other of the cabinet (0=major color change and 5=for none)?
Let?s total it up.
Now added up the column and total it. Do not worry about the total it is only a gauge to help you evaluate the value of your grandfather clock.
OK – now we have a gauge, although not complete. Next you will need to know the time period the clock was built. This may require some research, but I will give you some resources a little later on. We will now need to find out what your clock last sold for or one that is very close in style, movement used and the time it was originally produced.
What did the grandfather clock last sell for?
With all this information at hand, buy a three day subscription at Antique Clock Price Guide (dot) com where you can look up your grandfather clock. This site has a list of the selling prices of most grandfather clocks, the value (most often based on an appraiser) and the place it was last sold. Now look up your clock and find the selling price and note the condition; pristine, excellent, good, fair, etc. Now looking at your evaluation, you can increase the selling price if your clock is in better condition than the last one sold. You can also decrease the price if the one sold was of a greater value.
I will add that if you feel that you may have buffered the price in your favor a little too much then knock off 10% before listing it.
A little more to consider before setting the price.
It is important to note that if the grandfather clock was maintained regularly this will add considerately to its value. The history of the clock will also add color and value to an otherwise ordinary clock. Always remember that a grandfather clock over 100+ years old also increases its value, even if the clock has not been well maintained, it still has value and will reflect in its selling price.
Some resources to help you:
A more detailed Evaluation guide in PDF format can be found on my website named Eval.pdf.
For last sold price check out: AntiqueClockPriceGuide.com
We have more information about antique clocks at antique grandfather clocks
