No Time to Waste! It’s Time to Get a Grandfather Clock

When you hear that tell-tale “tick…tock…tick…tock” sound echoing, what do you think of? Is it the stately antique clock accompanying your fondest family memories at your grandparents’ home? Or the single background sound playing during the hushed thrill of shopping at your local antique store? To many, that swinging pendulum sound of a tall grandfather clock is the sign they’ve found the newest clock for their collection.

If that grabs your attention, you’re in luck! Learn how to shop for valuable and beautiful grandfather clocks with this helpful guide.

What is a Grandfather Clock?

Grandfather clocks are freestanding pendulum clocks driven by weights ranging anywhere from six to ten feet in height. As the pendulum swings back and forth within the case, the weights drop at certain speeds to provide enough power to accurately turn the hands on the clock to the right time.

Though the finer details, such as the material used or the ornamentation added, can change from design to design, all grandfather clocks can be recognized by their tall and timeless silhouette. Smaller versions at five to six feet tall function similarly but have a cheeky alternative name: grandmother clocks.

Other Names for a Grandfather Clock:

As you shop for grandfather clocks at your favorite Highland antique mall, keep an eye out for official listings that use these other alternative terms:

• Longcase clock

• Tall-case clock

• Hall clock

• Floor clock

Who Invented Grandfather Clocks?

Clockmaking has a long and intricate history spanning hundreds of years, but it all sprang forward in the 17th century. Though Christiaan Huygens was the one who discovered the pendulum-based function, it was William Clement, a British clockmaker, who was officially credited as the inventor of grandfather clocks. After he released the first freestanding design, popularity grew quickly across Europe and America, with high-quality brands taking inspiration to make their own designs.

How Did the Grandfather Clock Get Its Name?

Did you think the term “grandfather” came from the fact that all of our older relatives seem to have one of these antique clocks standing in their houses? Well, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. For decades, this style was called a longcase or hall clock—it wasn’t until Henry Clay Work, an American songwriter, released a song titled “My Grandfather’s Clock” in 1878 that the now popular term took off!

In What Decade Were Grandfather Clocks Most Popular?

Antique clocks are easy to age, as each decade has its own preferred design. Grandfather

clocks were most popular between the years 1850 and 1890 when they reached their peak production. Though they are seldom made in modern times, these same collectible clocks have been passed down from generation to generation. 

Why Do People Collect Antique Grandfather Clocks

More often than not, the people who collect grandfather clocks are driven by nostalgia. Whether they grew up admiring the antique clock that towered over them as a child or inherited one from a relative, collectible clocks make the perfect family heirloom. Many of them are passed down from generation to generation, garnering new excitement for the timeless look again and again.

Others spend their time searching for rare grandfather pieces with one goal in mind: to turn a profit. Certain antique clock designs can have immense value, depending on the condition, age, and rarity. If you want to turn your passion for vintage timepieces into a business, consider investing in collectible clocks.

3 Ways to Determine the Value of an Antique Clock

If you come across an antique clock at your closest Illinois vendor mall or yard sale estate sale, it’s imperative that you learn how to value it before buying. The next time you set out to collect antique clocks, follow these steps to get the most accurate price:

1. Consider the Overall Craftmanship

When you first come across an antique clock at your favorite Florida vendor mall, stop and closely examine the craftsmanship. This can refer to any aesthetic factor, from the quality of wood used to create the structure (with oak being the most valuable) to the tiniest decorative details and adornments. Certain collectors will pay handsomely for ones with irregularities and imperfections or ones with over-the-top embellishments, while others want a clean-line, sleek longcase clock for their home.

Unique Collectible Features that Up the Value:

• Crown shapes

• Chime melodies

• Lunar phase dials

• Cable-driven movements

• Lyre-shaped pendulums

2. Locate the Maker’s Mark

While all collectible clocks are a worthy investment, the real value comes down to the maker. As you shop for clocks, look closely for any maker’s marks or manufacturing labels, as the company name and date of production can give you expert insight into the true price points.

If the design you come across was produced by an authentic and trustworthy vintage clock company, you’ll be able to fetch a higher price. Search for antique clock identification in these areas:

• Dial

• Case

• Movement

3. Check to See if the Clock is Still Functioning

Don’t be fooled by the external beauty of collectible clocks and buy without thinking twice. Make an informed decision by determining whether or not the piece is in working condition. See that the pendulum swings correctly, any chimes that ring out on the hour remain in tune, and that the time is still kept accurately. If everything is up to your standards, then you can purchase!

Pro tip: if you do come across a grandfather clock that no longer functions, don’t cast it aside! Plenty of collectors buy broken, yet aesthetically pleasing, clocks, whether they are trained to repair those antique parts or plan to upcycle them into something new.

Where Can You Find Antique Grandfather Clocks?

While estate sales and family-centric yard sales are always a great place to start your search, the best of the best grandfather clocks are stocked in antique malls. From vendor booths that specialize in vintage clocks to the occasional one-off standing proudly on display in a random aisle, explore your nearest antique mall location to find one you love.

Skip the modern wall clocks and choose to keep the time in your home in a timeless fashion with collectible grandfather clocks. With a little background knowledge and a few of our expert shopping tips, you’ll find a design you love in no time!