Grandfather Clock is a Delightful Addition to Any Home

“Just imagine the chiming of a Grandfather Clock – that is the sound that turns a house into a home…”

Around 1875, the American songwriter Henry Work was staying at the George Hotel during a trip to England. He was told the unique story of their old clock and it’s previous owner, and after seeing the clock for himself, he decided to write a song about the fascinating coincidence that the clock stopped forever the moment its owner died. Mr. Work returned to America and published the song that sold over a million copies of sheet music about the clock grandfather entitled “My Grandfather’s Clock”. Until that time, clocks such as the one in the old George Hotel were given various names, but only since Henry Work’s song have large upright clocks been called ‘Grandfather Clocks’.

Grandfather clocks, also sometimes known as ‘Coffin Clocks’, come in a huge variety of sizes and designs, ranging from antiques built by famous clock makers several centuries ago, to those made today.

Pendulum clocks were developed by clockmakers in the mid 1600’s in a bid to obtain a greater degree of time-keeping accuracy. By giving them longer pendulums, clocks kept better time. These long-pendulum clocks were placed in tall wooden cases so that they could stand upright on the floor.

Since then, Grandfather clocks have become very popular items of household furniture, and have appeared in a huge variety of cases – many styles of which became fashionable, and then fell out of favor as fashion tastes changed. Grandfather clocks were sometimes embellished with ornate woodcarving, and often came complete with chimes, tunes, and moon-phase dials.

Clock collecting is a serious passion for many clock lovers around the world. Today, some antique clocks from the 1600’s to 1700’s fetch tens of thousands of dollars.

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Ten Caveats For Buying Collectible Antique Or New Art Clocks

by Rick London

You have heard the value of collectible clocks and want to start a hobby. Or maybe you are a veteran clock collector. Antiques may be your thing or the latest trend of clocks with imprinted artwork. The more you know, the more you’ll save when buying.

Here is a list that may help

1. Visit museums and websites that have exhibitions and inventories of clocks. Most museums hand out detailed brochures. Most new clock sellers will be able to explain the history of the artist whose work appears on the clock and where he/she stands in the marketplace.

2. Shop the Internet for clock dealers and collectors. More likely than not, they share your enthusiasm and will be glad to share information.

3.If you are unsure of of the clock’s value, look up comparable clocks and what price they have sold for in the past. This will be of great help.

4. You may find that it is worth paying a little more for a guarantee. Sometimes the label might be a reproduction and the case might not be the original. Remember, you will likely pay more for the clock that is in excellent condition and less for the clock in fair condition. If it is a reproduction, that does not mean it is not a collectible clock. In the old days of clock collecting, one-of-a-kind clocks were the anchor product. Now clock collectors everywhere look for licensed art image clocks of great artists, cartoonists, and the like.

5. If the clock has a label or signature of a well-known clockmaker or once belonged to a celebrity, the value will be much greater.

6. Don’t forget the additional costs you may incur once you have purchased the clock. There may be transportation fees (for larger clocks), restoration fees, insurance fees, and cleaning and maintenance fees. And of course almost all will have shipping fees. If ordering online, look at the weight of the clock or if it is not mentioned, ask the vendor the cost of shipping if it is not shown at checkout.

7.Always have a caveat emptor attitude. Most dealers are honest, but be careful not to become a victim of an crooked one. They are out there. Always ask for a written guarantee that specifies you can get a refund if any claims turn out to be untrue. Most will offer one but if not, it’s best to go elsewhere.

8. Buy from a clock dealer or someone who sells more than one or two clocks. Most antique clock dealers will focus on clocks. When buying newer artsy clocks, the vendor may sell other items, but has more than a few clocks in stock. In other words, the vendor is familiar with the clock and the artist.

9. If the clock is an antique or old, it should be lubricated by a professional at least every five years, and overhauled every ten years.

10. If care and instructions of the clock are not mentioned on the website (if buying online) ask the vendor for them, or how care should be taken.

About the Author

A new sort of clock collecting has evolved; art licensed cartoon clocks by Rick London who founded LT Superstore and Londons Times Cartoons Rare Cartoon Desk & Wall Clocks By Rick London, and <a href=’http://www.londonstimes.us

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