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Finding the Right Grandfather-clocks-longcase-clocks for You
Antique grandfather clocks and longcase clocks are staples of old-world design sensibilities, and, along with their storied history, these statuesque timepieces can bring a feeling of warmth to living rooms, dining rooms and other areas of your home.
Longcase clocks, which originated in England and were manufactured in the United States beginning in the 1700s, refer to tall clocks with a face and clock works positioned high in the housing while a large swinging pendulum movement is tucked inside the case, which is supported by a carved base called a plinth.
While guests making their way through your foyer (another ideal location for such a furnishing) might typically refer to your longcase clock as a “grandfather clock,” there are actually three varieties of these stylish floor clocks, which include granddaughter clocks (the shortest, generally not one solid piece of wood and around three to five feet tall), grandmother clocks (the slimmer middle ground, between five feet and six feet tall) and grandfather clocks, which are typically between six and seven feet tall.
Sculptural and statement-making, antique grandfather clocks created by the likes of the Seth Thomas Clock Company, the Howard Miller Clock Company, Hermle or other clockmakers are an alluring choice in filling up space in a room, while the shorter longcase clocks are just as useful if you need an element that is comparatively muted or you’re working with limited space.
Each generation of artisan clockmakers, working in various furniture styles over time, contributed its own flourishes to the design of longcase clocks. Antique grandfather clocks in the Georgian style share commonalities with neoclassical design. They were often made in dark woods such as mahogany and feature intricate carving. Mahogany is also common for Victorian-era grandfather clocks, although examples of this style can be found in oak and walnut too. Designers of contemporary grandfather clocks are using a range of materials.
It’s easy to get confused when determining the origins or value of an antique grandfather clock or other vintage longcase clock. While an antique appraiser will be able to tell quickly, searching for a manufacturer’s name engraved on the face and dial of the clock may be an easy way to learn about the history of your clock.
Find a distinctive variety of antique grandfather clocks and longcase clocks on 1stDibs, and browse our collection of unusually beautiful clocks, wall clocks, desk clocks and other vintage clocks too.
- Are grandfather clocks valuable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Antique grandfather clocks tend to be more valuable than contemporary ones. Even if it doesn't work, an antique grandfather clock can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, as long as it's in good condition.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A tubular chime grandfather clock has a very rich sound that is deeper and holds on longer than chime rod mechanical clocks. As the name implies, grandfather clocks strike a chime. A tubular chime is shaped like a tube with an open center, whereas chime clocks do not have that added center space. Shop a collection of grandfather clocks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The moon on a grandfather clock is a dial that allows you to track the phases of the moon. It features 28 different points corresponding to the 28 days of a lunar cycle. Find a variety of grandfather clocks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A grandfather clock's worth is dependent on its condition, maker, material, and age. On 1stDibs, a grandfather clock costs anywhere from $595 to $197,632.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Golden Age of grandfather clocks is the name of the period of time during which the earliest grandfather and longcase clocks were made. It began in the 1660s and lasted until the 1730s. On 1stDibs, find a selection of antique grandfather clocks.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A mini grandfather clock is called a grandmother clock. It shares the same basic stylistic features as a traditional grandfather clock but usually has a narrower case and is under 6 feet, 3 inches tall. On 1stDibs, find a range of grandmother clocks.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A hanging grandfather clock is sometimes called a long case or tall case clock. The name comes from the fact that the clock has the same elongated body as a grandfather clock. Its dimensions are necessary to accommodate a swinging pendulum. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of grandfather clocks.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Grandfather clocks have been manufactured by different makers for hundreds of years, so the first step to find out if yours is a real antique is to look for the maker’s mark. The company name could be engraved on the face of the clock or somewhere inside. You might also find a copyright or identifying numbers which you can use to look up the date of manufacture. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly-vetted antique grandfather clocks from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Most historians believe that early grandfather clocks were 6 feet tall because the long case was required to hold a pendulum of adequate length to power their movement. Some clocks are even larger, though this is likely to give them a more substantial, decorative look. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of grandfather clocks.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Howard Miller grandfather clocks can be identified by a label located on the back of the clock, or inside of the front door or the inside of the back panel behind the movement. Older models may have “Made in Germany” on the label. Find a variety of authentic Howard Miller grandfather clocks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To read the moon dial on a grandfather clock, use the numbers and markings that appear along the outer edge. For example, if "20" is in the 12 o'clock position, the lunar cycle is currently on its 20th day. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of grandfather clocks.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Old grandfather clocks are worth anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $100,000, on average. A high quality, full functioning antique grandfather clock will fetch around $3,000. Those that are highly detailed will typically garner higher prices.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021To get your grandfather clock to chime correctly, you must wait until the next hour count and note how many hours the clock chimes and then move the hour hand to the hour the clock chimed. Then you can reset the clock to the proper time.1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021You can get your grandfather clock to chime correctly in a few easy steps. Firstly, wait for the next hour to chime on the clock. After that, count how many hours your grandfather clock chimes. With your finger, move the hour hand to the number of the hour count, and reset the time clock to the correct time. If you don’t feel confident in trying this by yourself, get in touch with an antiques appraiser or related professional for help. Find a variety of grandfather clocks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 5, 2024To determine the value of a Howard Miller grandfather clock, look for the serial number and check trusted online resources and auction houses to see the sales prices of pieces of similar age and style. This should at least help provide an estimate with respect to how much your item is worth. Keep in mind that the age, rarity and condition of any antique or vintage clock will also impact its value.
Your Howard Miller clock may have a label that is affixed to the back of the clock or is tucked inside the case on the back or side. The clock's model and serial number will appear on this label. If you're able to hunt down and consult vintage trade catalogs, these numbers will be of help in identifying the clock.
If the original parts of your Howard Miller grandfather clock have been replaced or repaired, this will also be a factor in determining its value. Because there is a range of aspects that can affect the value of your grandfather clock or any other antique, it's typically a good idea to have a certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer evaluate a clock. An expert can properly assess the condition of your clock and likely give you a clear picture of how much it's worth.
On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage Howard Miller grandfather clocks, wall clocks and table clocks.
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