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

When you are looking for a modern grandfather clock it is best to consider what this grandfather clock will be used for. Are you buying it to accent or enhance your fine dcor? Are you longing for the sound and ambiance that comes with a grandfather clock? Or are you looking for a precision old-world timepiece? How you answer these questions will help you determine which manufacturer to buy from and the style or class of grandfather clock to buy.

In the current marketplace of grandfather clocks, there is an endless array of types and styles to choose from to fit you distinctive dcor. In one online store, more than thirty clock styles were available from multiple manufacturers.

If you cannot find the exact style you are looking for and you have exhausted all possibilities, then you can have a grandfather clock designed and build by a local artisan. If you do a search on ‘artisan of fine furniture’ you should find a few leads. Just make sure you contact someone who builds fine furniture not a cabinet maker. Make sure to ask if they have any experience working with precision grandfather clock movements.

Presently there are six major manufactures to chose from; German Hermle, Bulova, Sligh, Ridgeway, Kieninger and Howard Miller. Howard Miller is much like the model ‘T’ of grandfather clocks, an assembly line product, so inspect carefully.

Never buy a grandfather clock from a furniture store. Only a store that deals in precision timepieces will be able to provide the expertise, support and service you will need. You will also need to hear it running, touch it, inspect it and determine if you like the sound produced by bells, chimes, or tubes. Do not underestimate the power of the sound produced! You and your family will be living with it every hour on the hour for many years to come. Make sure everyone likes it.

Always remember as a buyer, you must examine the individual cabinets as closely as you would other pieces of furniture, always looking for the highest quality in fit and finish. Do not overlook the grandfather clock’s long-term value; this purchase will outlast most of your dcor. Even when the price tag may be 30-40% more, always select the higher-quality grandfather clock.

When looking for a clock that will keep precise time your will have to look to the German manufacturers of grandfather clock movements; Kieninger, Hermle, and Urgos. If this is your first grandfather clock, I would suggest you look for a clock with a Kieninger movement installed. A Kieninger movement is easier to setup and will last a very long time without requiring constant fiddling to maintain its accuracy.

Finally, make sure that the grandfather clock you selected in the store is the same one that is delivered to your home. Most good grandfather clock stores will have no problem with this arrangement. Never allow them to ship you another grandfather clock even if it is the same model and style unless you have inspected it in person. Whether hand-made or mass-produced, there may be significant differences between individual clocks of the same model.

To sum it up, always select a style you will be happy, then select a precision movement and finally select a clock store that will provide great service. Make sure to have the grandfather clock movement re-oiled every five years and overhauled every ten years for the clock of a lifetime.

A grandfather clock may be one of the most satisfying investments you’ll ever make. Such a clock adds a touch of refinement to a home, turning it into a showplace. However, if you’ve never purchased this kind of time piece before, you may be nervous about the process. Nevertheless, if you keep a few key things in mind, you should be able to find a clock that will suit your needs.

First of all, you need to assess whether you have the space necessary to accommodate a grandfather clock. In a small apartment, such a piece can seem overwhelming. However, in a larger home, it can appear quite stately. You should carefully consider the size and the weight of the clock before actually purchasing it. Also, if you decide to buy a grandfather clock on line, you will definitely need to know how heavy it is, since shipping costs for such a heavy item can be quite expensive.

You may want to initially search for a clock online. That way, you can examine colors and styles without leaving home. You can select from light, medium, and dark wood casings in order to find a look that complements your room décor. You can also comparison-shop in order to find the most cost-effective model. While prices can vary widely from retailer to retailer and from manufacturer to manufacturer, you can find a number of lovely, high-quality grandfather clocks at quite reasonable prices.

When browsing for a clock from a dealer, carefully examine each one for signs of physical damage. If the cabinet has been dented, it is far more likely that the clock will malfunction. Look closely at the weights and see if there is any evidence of scratches or other signs of disrepair. Such damage represents an important warning sign that the clock may not be in mint condition.

Before you make your purchase, be sure to check the warranty. Since a grandfather clock can be difficult to fix, you’ll want a model that’s built to last. You don’t want to have to deal with expensive repairs just a few months after purchasing your clock. You’ll also want to buy from a reputable dealer to ensure that you obtain a high-quality piece of merchandise.

Above all, when shopping for a grandfather clock, it’s important that you take your time and do your research. If you rush your purchase, you might regret it later on—particularly if you end up with a model that is in a constant state of disrepair.

Who does not have a few clocks in his or her home? Everyone needs them and we all use them each and every day of our lives. There are many different kinds of and most of us own several. There are many different clocks, wall, grandfather, the ever popular alarm and, of course, my personal favorite Coldplay. Clocks are simply a part of our lives the whole world round, there is even a world clock and an atomic clock. We just cannot escape these infernal, yet useful machines.

The history of clocks goes far back into the past of humans. The sun dial was an early form, it was a rather rudimentary design but it was accurate and it worked for people back then. Now of course we are even busier and we need to be more precise about everything that we do. We are always rushing off to somewhere and without clocks we would not be able to get there in time. In fact it seems as though time runs our lives these days.

Wall clocks are a great addition to any room in your home. They are attractive and they do not take up any floor space. Most of us are lacking in the floor space that grandfather clocks need so we make do with wall clocks.

Wall clocks are also nice because they are easy to make room for. They come in all different shapes and sizes, which make them perfect for squeezing in on even a busy and full wall. Wall clocks look great in any home with any décor. There are all kinds that are plain enough to match anywhere in any room. These are the most popular of all and thankfully the least expensive as well.

You can find some pretty exciting looking clocks as well. If you like to make a statement then you will want to choose ones that are a little different from the everyday. This means looking to clocks that are perhaps bright and colorful or even large and full of fantastic art forms. Strange and unusual shaped ones are a big hit as well and your home could definitely benefit from these.

Grandfather clocks are something that many people have had passed down to them from past generations in their family. Other people go searching for them. These are some of the most fantastic and glorious clocks in the whole world. They are generally large, though how large may differ from one example to the next.

Some of the best grandfather clocks are the older generation. These can be found in antique stores or online auctions and they are generally very expensive. In fact, all of them tend to be quite expensive but they are always well worth the money that you spend on them. They make wonderful heirlooms for you to pass down in your own family. This is a clock that your great grandchildren will feel honored to receive down the line.

How well do you know your grandfather clock? Knowing how your tall clock works will make it easier for you. It’s like having your husband around all the time.

How well do you know your grandfather clock?

Everyday you glance admiringly at your new 7-foot tall clock. It has brightened up your living room, making the room homier. It was the perfect touch. You never had this so good when doing your own interior decorating.

But do you know everything about your clock? If you can point out the pendulum bob and the cable pulleys, then you know something. If you can’t tell the difference, it’s time to skim through the manual of your grandfather clock.

The swing of the pendulum

If you think your time counter is just an accessory to be admired, you’re dead wrong. This type of clock tells the time accurately and keeps time within a minute per month. The gears inside the clock are controlled by the swinging pendulum year in and year out – and of course will wear and tear without proper care.

The pendulum (made from brass and steel) of your clock is suspended from secure cables, and moves back and forth – influenced by gravity. This regulates the clock and alerts the system to release the power of the right rate. The longer or shorter the pendulum is, the slower or faster the swing.

The swinging pendulum is counting time. This is complemented by mechanical systems of gears, levers, spring, and catches. The movement of the mechanical levers, wheels and gears are controlled to calculate the accurate tick of the second, minute, and hour hands. You can adjust the swing of the pendulum slower or faster by just adjusting the ball of the pendulum slightly.

Chimes

At the hour, the spring driven hammers will strike the tubular bells. Some grandfather clocks will allow for the selection of melodies. If your clock has three melodies, you can change the melody when the minute hand is set in the safe time area.

When the chimes stop, you can move the minute hand counterclockwise. If there is some resistance, better call the supplier to do the job for you. Never attempt to touch the chime lever when the clock is chiming or you will damage the chime system. You can follow the illustrated manual that came with your grandfather clock.

Weights

Observe that there are three weights in the case of your grandfather clock. The left powers the hour strike, the center is for time, and the right weight is for the melody.

These weights, attached to a chain or a cable, should be raised every 7 days or the clock will stop. For cable driven weights, a crank will be available. For chain driven weights, the loose end of the chain is pulled down.

There are more things to learn to appreciate how the system inside works. In time, you’ll be comfortable with your clock. In the meantime, don’t mess with your grandfather clock, just let the pendulum swing.

Creativity knows no boundaries. For crafts to continue being interesting, or productive, to say the least, skills must be honed and practiced as much as possible in every way imaginable.

There is art in creating things and making things beautiful. If the only way to calm your restless hands and boundless imagination is in the indulgence of your whim to create beauty, so be it.

Beauty in Your Hands

Beauty can be created out of anything, really. You have probably heard of artists creating masterpieces out of mundane, seemingly insignificant items, such as tissue paper, old tires, and even Campbell soup cans. Indeed, you only need your imagination and skill to create something out of nothing.

Reviving Beauty

They say age destroys beauty, and indeed, it is true – in some forms. There are some things, however, that can only be made more beautiful in time, like antique grandfather clocks.

Unlike the assembly line-manufactured timepieces of today, antique grandfather clocks were lovingly made by hand by skilled watchmakers. The superior craftsmanship of these elegant timepieces is apparent in their burnished wood surfaces, intricate carvings, and of course, the trademark resonating chimes.

Sad to say, though, most people take them for granted, so a lot of antique grandfather clocks are laid to waste, rusting and gathering dust in some obscure corner of a foyer, study, or living room. The good news is antique grandfather clocks are made of stronger stuff and is the perfect art restoration project for aficionados.

Beauty Restored

Because antique grandfather clocks are already characteristically beautiful, they do not require valiant, gargantuan efforts to restore. They do, however, require skill, commitment, and a lot of tender loving care.

Look for people with antique grandfather clocks that are far from top shape. Offer to restore them for a fee, so they can still keep their family heirlooms, this time in good working condition.

There will also be some people who would want to get rid of their antique grandfather clocks, so grab the opportunity and offer to buy them. Chances are you’ll get them cheap. Clean them up, re-varnish them, and get their mechanisms working again. It will come with many benefits. You can sell them to collectors and dealers, probably twice, or even three times the price that you paid for them in the first place. It’s a good investment, indeed. Most of all, it’s a restoration project that you’ll certainly enjoy.

Beauty Lives On

After a long day’s work, pat yourself on the back for rescuing antique grandfather clocks from a sure waste of their sublime beauty and elegance. You’ll be giving them a new lease on life.

Once again, antique grandfather clocks will be just as good as new. With the right owners, they will once again stand sentinel in a family home, exuding grace and elegance. They will once again mark the passing of time and chime in every birthday, anniversary, or wedding. They will once again be cherished, loved, and taken care of for generations to come.

Every child in high school learns that a pendulum’s rate of swing (its period) is proportional to its length. This is the only factor that affects the period. Galileo discovered this in 1582.

Today’s grandfather clocks are descendants of William Clement’s clock from 1670. He had discovered that a longer pendulum meant more accurate time-keeping. The long pendulum had to be enclosed to prevent children (and adults) playing with it. Hence the long-case clock was invented. The name Grandfather Clock comes from Henry Work’s 1875 song, “My Grandfather’s Clock.”

If your parents or grandparents had a grandfather clock you are certain to remember it well. Its sounding of every hour with a tremendously resonant goooooonnnngg, the way it kept you awake all night until you were used to it, the daily winding ritual, its sheer presence. How many times did you stand and watch the pendulum swinging in front of your face, safely enclosed behind a glass panel? How many times did you ask to be allowed to pull on the chains that wound it up?

These fantastic historical clocks are held in the memories of more than one generation.

Modern homes are generally too small to accommodate a grandfather clock easily. Some people buy one to remind them of their youth, or perhaps, to give their children similar fantastic memories of the sight, sound and presence of this amazing timepiece.

You can now buy plans or kits to make your own grandfather, or long case, clock. These clocks will obviously come at a lower cost than an antique, or any other ready made grandfather clock.

The kits come in a variety of finishes, from palest pine to darkest rosewood.

The most important thing to check out before you buy is the sound of the chime. You are going to live with this for a long time; you have to like the sound of your clock.

One of the most valued kinds of clocks on earth are grandfather clocks. Bulova grandfather clocks and Howard Miller grandfather clocks are some of the most sought after names in clocks and you can get your own antique grandfather clocks on the internet or from a wonderful antique store. There are also plenty of modern wholesale grandfather clocks for you to choose from on and offline.

When you are shopping for grandfather clocks you will first need to see where in your home or business you want to keep said clocks. Did you want one that can fit on a shelf or do you have a special corner that you want to put one in? Take some time and some measurements and then you will be able to make the right decisions about the grandfather clocks that will look the best in your home or office.

Grandfather clocks, especially pearl grandfather clocks, will add class and elegance to any home or office quickly and easily. Everyone will fall prey to the charms of your clocks in no time. German grandfather clocks are one of the most favorable of all grandfather clocks. They are known throughout the world for their beauty and accuracy. Many of the older grandfather clocks were not the most accurate clocks in the world but the more modern discount grandfather clocks will always keep good time.

Some people are not really concerned with the fact that their grandfather clocks cannot tell time accurately. In fact, most people who buy Howard Miller grandfather clocks and Bulova grandfather clocks buy them not for the time aspect but for looks. Looks are important, it is a simple fact and your grandfather clocks will bring all kinds of joy and happiness to your home and décor.

Wholesale grandfather clocks are easy to find and purchase online. If you have always wanted to get some antique grandfather clocks or modern discount grandfather clocks you will be able to do that all online in just a few seconds. By doing a quick search online you can pull up tons of great stores where you can buy your grandfather clocks. It does not matter if you are looking for pearl grandfather clocks, German grandfather clocks, Bulova grandfather clocks, Howard Miller grandfather clocks, antique grandfather clocks or even discount grandfather clocks or wholesale grandfather clocks, you will find it all online. And when you are thinking about making a purchase as large and important as a grandfather clock it is vital that you save money where you can.

Maintenance of grandfather clocks should never be too much of an issue. Everyone can simply call on a clocksmith to come in and fix anything that goes wrong with grandfather clocks. This should not cost too much money, but it will depend on what the actual problem is. Most of the good grandfather clocks will not need a lot of work, but like anything else in the world, parts do wear out over time and you may need to repair the odd piece from time to time.

You look outside the window and you realize it is raining. The wind is blowing hard against the oak tree out in your backyard and the tree dances with the tune of the wind. You pour yourself a cup of coffee and sit behind the desk of your study and find yourself staring at your grandfather clock, which stands across the room. You cast a glance at the keyboard of the computer in front of you and your mind wanders off into another place and another time.

Get in the Mood for Writing

Many people love to write and that is not just a mere fact. However, to write is no easy task. You need to know what you write and you need to feel what you write. Most of the time, there are just certain circumstances and moods that draw you to start scribbling or tapping those keys on the keyboard. Stories can just pop out of your head from the things you see everyday, things that when put together with the right setting and mood, could inspire you to write.

A grandfather clock exudes an aura of elegance, grace, and a certain ambient mood to any room it is situated in. With a grandfather clock and the right literary catalyst, you will find yourself transported in a world vivid with color and life, a world only your imagination can create and bring to life.

Give It Its History

When you stare at an object, you sometimes find your imagination starting to run wild with questions and small scenarios of things that you think relate to it, scenarios that you think might have happened well in the past that a thing had definitely bore witness to. Or it could also bring to mind memories that you had buried somewhere in your subconscious which only manifests itself when you let your imagination run loose.

Writers often write from memories, experiences of others, or from things. Many of the best writers have written stories about events and people that revolved around a certain thing. Nicholas Sparks wrote “Message in a Bottle” and “The Notebook”, and those two were worldwide bestsellers. There is a big chance that he was inspired to write such stories because he saw a story, some kind of life behind those ordinary things. Maybe you can do that too with the things that you see in your very own home like your grandfather clock.

Maybe the sound of the blowing wind and the oak tree dancing outside your window starts the ball rolling. Maybe those inspire you to write how your protagonist is, what his or her life is about, and what brought about this memory. Maybe you, as the writer, are looking through your character’s eyes as he stares out of his window and sees the event unfold before him. Maybe you, as you think like your character, remember a memory that happened, a memory triggered by the weather outside, the wonderful smell of steaming hot coffee, and the steady ticking of the pendulum in the grandfather clock. Maybe the steady ticking allows you to start a mental pace of the story as it unfolds in your head, a story that might be your very own bestseller.

The Internet is a minefield of information and one that just seems to keep growing every second. In this day and age, there’s nothing you can’t find or do over the Internet. Through this powerful medium, you can talk to people on the other side of the world as if they’re right beside you. You can write letters that will be received within seconds. You can pay bills, make new friends and connect with old ones, listen to music, and watch movies online. You can even do your shopping online.

Shop Until You Drop From Your Couch

Indeed, online shopping is one of the most popular functions of the Internet. You can buy anything online, from groceries to furniture, electronics to memorabilia, books to DVDs, clothes to antique grandfather clocks. You name it, and there’s probably an Internet website somewhere that has it.

It’s convenience at its very best. You no longer have to spend hours, or even days, looking for those hard-to-find antique grandfather clocks. You don’t have to travel hundreds and thousands of miles to get rare, antique grandfather clocks from obscure locations. A quick search on the Internet can take you exactly where you want to go without having to leave the comfort of your own home, and if all goes well, one of those antique grandfather clocks you’ve been raving about will be delivered to your doorstep.

Risk Worth Taking?

Of course, there are security concerns associated with shopping online. After all, you don’t have the benefit of dealing with people face to face and it could be very easy to fall for smooth-talking, unscrupulous, and faceless individuals, especially if you really want that hard-to-find painting or one of those antique grandfather clocks. Indeed, think twice before you hand over those bank details and credit card information.

Opt to purchase from reputable websites instead of dealing directly with individuals. Most websites have secure payment features, so you’ll know that your information is safeguarded and your purchase is legitimate. When you’re looking for hard-to-find items, such as antique grandfather clocks and memorabilia, you might not have much of a choice but to deal with individuals directly. In this case, it’s best to demand for some sort of guarantee, so you’ll know that you’ll definitely get what you’re paying for. If they really want your business, they’ll be more than happy to oblige. Then and only then can you be sure that you’re definitely getting those antique grandfather clocks that you’ve been dying to purchase.

Indeed, the Internet and online shopping are conveniences that are fast becoming part of everyone’s lives. Before you know it, you’ll find that you can’t live without it. But then, who can blame you? No longer will you have to deal with irate and annoying salespeople, suffer blisters on your feet while you painstakingly search for the item you need, and stand on long queues. With a quick tap of your keyboard and a few mouse clicks, you’re getting the best service. You’re getting exactly what you want.

Find Great Antique Grandfather Clocks at Clock World.