Buying and Owning An Antique Grandfather Clock
You probably have digital clocks that are a lot more convenient and affordable than grandfather clocks, nothing beats owning one of these classic timepieces such as an antique grandfather clock. Some people were lucky enough to have this timeless heirloom in their family. For those of you who didn’t have that type of fortune, there are many antique grandfather clocks in the marketplace.
Things To Do Before You Go Shopping For An Antique Grandfather Clock
There’s a lot more to purchasing antique grandfather clocks than just deciding on getting one and heading off to a clock dealer. Buying antique grandfather clocks is a serious task by itself and definitely a big undertaking.
Just to give you an idea, there are quite a number of good antique clock makers and each brand carries numerous styles of grandfather clocks. Now, if you don’t follow a systematic plan, buying antique grandfather clocks will eat up a lot of your time and can in fact cost you more than you need spend.
Here are a few tips that might help you to cut your shopping time in half:
1. Think about the location you want to place your grandfather clock. This then, will make step 2 a lot easier.
2. Considering the theme of the room in which you wish to place the clock , decide just what style and size of the antique grandfather clock works for you. Aside from deciding on the style of the case, you should think about the face of the clock. Do you want one with an elaborate design, or would you prefer a plain face?
3. Other things you should think of are the finish and features. Remember while most antique grandfather clocks are superior to contemporary clocks in terms of quality and craftsmanship, they do lack most of the modern features, such as volume adjustment and night silence options.
4. Next, decide on a specific brand. If you are unable to decide on just one brand, pick two. This will help to narrow down your search. For example, you could choose between a Howard Miller or a Seth Thomas.
5. Make a list of registered dealers. If you buy from a reputable seller they will assure you of the clock’s authenticity.
Checking the Condition of Your Antique Grandfather Clock
Let’s say you’ve found the exact model you want from the many antique grandfather clocks available. The next thing you must do is determine the clock’s condition, thus making sure you will be getting your money’s worth. After getting the age and history of the clock, you should:
1. Check the working condition of the clock, and whether it is still able to keep good time. Ask to hear the chimes and make sure that the sound is to your satisfaction. If you fall in love with the case but decide the operation is not to your level, you can have a clockmaker replace the works. We did this with our clock and it cost about $300.
2. Carefully check the condition of the case - front, side, and back. Look for dents or damages aside from those mentioned by the dealer (if any).
3. If buying from an online shop, ask for pictures of every part of the grandfather clock. Have the seller list down the clock’s pre-existing damages. Don’t think twice about asking for a guarantee as well as the return policy. Should you need to return the clock, you can expect to pay for the return shipping.
4. Find out if any part of the clock has been replaced. Ask the seller to identify the parts of the clock that are original.
5. Ask the dealer when and where the clock was last serviced if indeed it has been serviced, and ask for the contact information of the person who did the work.
6. Inquire about the operation and proper care of the clock. Ask the seller to write down instructions on winding the clock and setting the time, chime, and alarm. Be sure you get the case key also.
These tips should make it a lot easier to shop for the antique grandfather clock of your dreams.