How much do grandfather clocks sell for
Lily Fisher
Published Feb 25, 2026
A grandfather clock can sell for anywhere from $200 to more than $20,000. This is what makes valuing a grandfather clock so difficult. As you can see from the long list of factors that go into the pricing, there is quite a bit to consider when coming up with a value for a clock.
Are old grandfather clocks worth anything?
Longcase clocks, even the battered, dusty and stored-in-the-garage-because-it-doesn’t-work variety, can be worth from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds, according to a specialist.
How do I know if my clock is valuable?
Examine the clock for the marker’s signature or label. Check the face, mechanism and case. Clocks that are labeled or stamped with the name of its maker or a trademark are more desirable than unmarked clocks. If you can’t find a label or a stamp, you’ll need to identify the type of clock yourself.
How do you value a grandfather clock?
- Check your clock’s label or signature. …
- Search for evidence that it is handmade. …
- Find out its style category. …
- Examine for signs of age. …
- Compare online pricing guides. …
- Get a reliable in-person appraisal.
What is the best way to sell a grandfather clock?
- Sell Your Clock Through Classified Ads. • Print classifieds: You’ll find classified ads for antiques in a wide variety of publications, from your local newspapers to national newspapers and specialist magazines. …
- Sell Your Clock At Auction. • …
- Sell or Consign Your Clock to Dealer.
Are grandfather clocks outdated?
Grandfather clocks are still being made and can be purchased online and through stores that feature fine furniture. … It can be hard to find parts for old grandfather clocks that have not been maintained, and they may require expensive overhauling to keep accurate time.
What makes a grandfather clock valuable?
Craftsmanship. A big reason why the clocks are so expensive, and also why they’re so coveted, is because of the talent and craftsmanship that goes into them. A lot of skilled labour goes into making a masterpiece like a grandfather clock.
What can I do with an old grandfather clock?
Repurposed Grandfather’s Clocks You can re-paint the clock or add some pattern to it to make it more eye-catching. You can also repurpose the clock, for example, a living room can be completed with a shelf made of a grandfather’s clock – paint it, add colorful wallpaper inside and maybe some drawers.What is the rarest grandfather clock?
An exquisite example of a rare tall-case clock is the Chippendale with the dial signed by Jacob Godschalk. The grandfather clock, made in Philadelphia between 1765 and 1775, stands more than eight feet tall and had an estimated value of $150,000 to $250,000. The clock sold for $800,000.
How can you tell if a grandfather clock is real?The inner workings of the clock must produce accurate time results and chiming if applicable. There is no need to buy a clock if it cannot tell time right. You should not hear the pendulum operate to any great extent. Some sound is normal, but if it the clock makes loud noises as the pendulum moves, something is wrong.
Article first time published onWhat old clocks are worth money?
The most coveted antique clocks are those from the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries that have their original components still intact. Clocks made by E. Howard & Co., Durfee & Enches, Waltham Clock Company and Simon Willard are some of the most popular with antique buyers.
Are grandmother clocks worth anything?
How much is a grandmother clock worth? Just like other antiques, the value of grandmother clocks differs. These antiques could sell between $250 and $5,000. You will find that some markets would price them for $2,500, while in other markets, you could get them for $100.
What are the most valuable antique clocks?
- Flamingo and lotus automation clock – $1.2M.
- Magpie’s treasure nest – $2.3M.
- Thomas Tompion Clock – $2M.
- #2. Chinese Ormolu clock (1736-1795) – $4M.
Why do they call it a grandfather clock?
The name grandfather clock was adopted after the song “Grandfather’s Clock,” written in 1876 by Henry Clay Work, became popular. … One form of early pendulum clock was wall-mounted but, because of its heavy lead weights, probably difficult to secure.
Can you transport a grandfather clock on its back?
While some modern grandfather clocks might be safely moved lying down, it’s best to keep your clock upright whenever possible. Lying your timepiece on its back or side can damage the mechanisms inside and cause costly damage.
How can you tell the age of a clock?
- Engraved or printed near the center face of the dial.
- Engraved or printed around the edge of the dial’s face and may be covered by the bezel.
- Stamped or engraved on the clock movement’s backplate.
- A paper label pasted on the back of the clock.
How long does a grandfather clock last?
Most quality new grandfather clocks will run about 20+ year if you set one up and never maintain it, but oiling every few years may make the clock last a lifetime (or two).
What is the golden age of grandfather clocks?
History of the Grandfather Clock Today, English longcase clocks that were made during the “Golden Age” of clock making (from the 1660s to 1730s) are extremely valuable.
Can you move the hour hand on a grandfather clock?
Grandfather Clock Repair The HOUR HAND ONLY can be moved forwards or backwards without any problem. If the clock is striking the wrong hour, you can simply rotate the HOUR HAND in either direction to the correct hour the clock is chiming.
Where do most people put grandfather clocks?
Due to their large size, grandfather clocks are typically found on the ground floor of a house. Considered prized showpieces, they’ve traditionally been displayed in the public areas of the house, such as a foyer, living room or study. Entry halls and foyers.
Can you put a grandfather clock in a bedroom?
While it might seem like an intimidating piece of furniture to have in the home, the grandfather clock is quite a functional piece that can be included in just about any room imaginable.
How long can a grandfather clock go without winding?
Almost all grandfather clocks are made to run for seven or eight days without winding, so winding them on the same day each week will ensure that it never stops. If your clock stops before its regular winding time, however, you may need to wind it more frequently.
What is the most expensive clock?
The Duc D’Orleans Breguet Sympathique was created in 1795 and has a detachable pocket watch. This clock was sold in 1835 for $6.8 million, becoming the most expensive clock in the world.
Are Seth Thomas clocks valuable?
Not surprisingly, the earliest clocks, especially those actually made by Seth Thomas, are worth the most money. If you can get a sense of the date your clock was made, either from the label, style, or date stamp, you have an important factor in assigning value.
Does Rolex make clocks?
Rolex does not make the wall clocks, but many authorized vendors do, and no doubt you would find many stunning and stylish Rolex wall clocks. … The vendors who produce the Rolex wall clock may offer you stylish watches, but they might not be of the same quality.
Can you put a grandfather clock on carpet?
A grandfather clock, usually constructed of solid wood and containing a brass movement and heavy weights, requires a solid floor on which to sit. Some clocks rest on carpeting, while others are positioned on hardwood or tile floors.
Can you spray paint a grandfather clock?
Here’s an easy way to upgrade just about any wall clock: spray paint it with metallic! Here’s how we took these old wall clocks from outdated to chic with just a few coats of paint. PREPARE: Setup your workspace in a well-ventilated area and cover your work area with a drop cloth to protect it from overspray.
How do I find out what brand my grandfather clock is?
Antique Grandfather Clock Identification Start by checking out the face and dial of the clock, as the manufacturer’s name may be engraved or painted there. You may also find a copyright symbol or trademark near the dial. To look further, open the hood (the top part); you may need to open a latch.
How old is the oldest grandfather clock?
The first grandfather clock was created around 1680 by British clockmaker William Clement. These tall style clocks were made possible thanks to the anchor escapement system, which allowed for much smaller motion in the pendulum than used to be necessary.
What is the difference between a grandfather clock and a grandmother clock?
What is the difference between a grandmother and a grandfather clock? Both grandmother and grandfather clocks are long case pendulum clocks, but grandfather clocks are generally taller than grandmother clocks, measuring in between 6 and 7 feet, while grandmother clocks typically measure between 5 and 6 feet.
How much is a coo coo clock worth?
Let’s begin with the good news: if your Black Forest Cuckoo Clock is a genuine antique, you’ll be thrilled to know that it could fetch anywhere between $150 to a cool $3,000; so checking its authenticity and features before you put a price on it would be one hugely-clever move!