I inherited this clock. It appears very old and rustic. I do know that it was purchased in the early 1920's by my Grandfather in New York. There are no markings on the outside of the clock or on the dials. Where do I start to find out information about it.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
Other places on the clock to look for a makers ID: the clock works inside, the inside of the back panel, the back side of the pendulum. If the back of the clock case doesn't have a door to access the inner workings, it probably will have small screws or nails that will need to be removed to look at the inside "guts", which should be brass. But I'm betting there is a door on the back, to make it easier to access the brass workings for regular oiling. The best way to identify the clock is to either take it to a clock shop in person, OR take several really good photos and send them to a shop or an appraiser and ask for help. Good luck.
A large number of unmarked clocks, especially wall clocks (sometimes called grandmother clocks) were made in the US and many were made in small shops from parts/movements that were ordered from companies in the US and from all over the world. You may find different names on places inside the clock, especially inside the back cover.
The following is just guessing here but I know this is what clock history states about many antique unmarked clocks (especially wall/grandmother clocks).
Most likely your Grandfather purchased it from a small shop/store in New York and probably picked out the design he liked from a book of pictures the shop keepers kept on display. The clock builder would then build the clock and deliver it for a set price.
The only identification may have been a paper label or maybe just a paid receipt.
There are antique clock forums that may be able to provide more information but each one will ask if you have searched for any names or other information and they will want a close up picture of the clock face and the small mark under the clock face.
There are also sites that offer free appraisals that may provide information but most will not provide an appraisal if the item is valued at less than $500 so you may have to go elsewhere and pay for an appraisal as the would provide the most information and provide a value in case you decide to sell it later.
www.whatsellsbest.com/
My guess is it is a German Box Wall Clock. There were many unbranded ones and some can be quite valuable if they run and are in good shape.
I don't know where you are located, but we have a repair place in Pittsburgh that is excellent. Maybe they can assist:
www.paulsclockrepairpittsburghpa.../
They would probably not remember me. I dealt with them several years ago when a client was trying to decide whether to keep or sell a clock he inherited.
They were very kind and my client ended up keeping the clock because of sentimental reasons.
Post back what they say!!
Thanks for sharing.
You might want to have your clock appraised by a clock shop.
antiques.lovetoknow.com/
www.kerstensantiques.com/
www.invaluable.com/
www.antiqueclockspriceguide.com/
www.clockprices.com/
www.ebay.com/
antiques.lovetoknow.com/
It could be on the edge of the dial face, on the back of the movement or there could be a paper label placed inside the cabinet
Go to the nearest pawn shop or antique shop like the people do in storage wars.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
