Posts Tagged ‘clock’
Recently I have had been getting more and more requests on how to do a self-appraisal of a grandfather clock. To get rid of some of the air of mystery, I have incorporated in this article a number of the questions that an appraiser will cover. This will not provide you with a precise price but ought to be of help in getting you a ball park figure.
Can you do an honest self evaluation of a grandfather clock?
One of the reasons for using an appraiser is they are paid to be unbiased, honest and fair. This is not saying you can’t be, but it is occasionally tough to part with an old friend and there is liable to be some emotion attachment. If you cannot be detached and look at it like a prospective customer then you should get an independent appraisal. Having said that, let’s start by looking at the overall condition of the grandfather clock in question.
Each of the following checks will be a zero through five with five being perfect – just like it came from the grandfather clock factory. But be honest; remember you are thinking like the buyer. But don’t be over-critical either and downgrade a great clock. Just be fair and honest. It is best to go with the first thought you have in mind and don’t dwell on a question. So with that in mind let’s get started. On a blank piece of notebook paper on the left hand side write the numbers 1 – 20 or you can download for a more detailed pdf at the link below.
The grandfather clock appraisal questionnaire.
1. Is the grandfather clock functional (running)?
2. Is the grandfather clock keeping accurate time?
3. Do the bells or chimes function correctly?
4. Does the grandfather clock have an operational lunar display?
5. Do the weights and pulleys look good and operate properly?
6. Does the clock face look good and well cared for?
7. Does the pendulum look good (without stains or damage) and well maintained?
8. Does the pendulum swing smoothly and without bumps?
9. Are the clock hands original, straight and bright?
10. Are the correct and original hands (may take some research) installed for the second, minute and hour hand?
11. Is this the original gear train and has it been rebuilt in the last year?
12. Has the clock been re-oiled every 6 months?
13. Has any cabinet glass been replaced?
14. Is this the original glass (if older than 100 years it should have a discoloration and possible bubbles)?
15. Start at five and subtract 1 for every missing part.
16. Does the cabinet look good and well maintained (light discoloration is ok)?
17. Rate the cabinet damage (perfect = 5).
18. Do all the sliding doors (glass/wood) and hinged doors work properly?
19. Does the cabinet have the original finish and is it in good condition?
20. Does it have major color variations (one side exposed to the sun for years)?
And the grand total is?
Now added up the column and total it. Do not worry about the total it is only a gauge to help you evaluate the value of your grandfather clock.
We have now the ability to gauge the value of the clock but, not its monetary value. This is where previous selling price, the history of this clock, where it was built, how often it was repaired and most importantly any and all historical information about this clock all come into play. Where it was purchased, when it was purchased, who purchased it, how many owners and whether any owners were famous can increase the value of the grandfather clock in question. I will tell you this: the more colorful a life the grandfather clock has lived the higher the selling price if the clock is in good condition and working. But a clock that is not working because it has a bullet hole in the face from a colorful and well documented fight will also sell quite well.
A little more to consider before setting the price.
With all this information in hand you can gauge the value of the grandfather clock in question. I suggest that you sign-up for a subscription at Antique Clock Price Guide (dot) com and look up your grandfather clock. If you feel it has a great history then add 10-20% to the current selling price. If it is damaged, doesn’t run or looks like it’s been through the war you should reduce the price 20-25% percent from the last selling price, if the last one sold was in good condition.
To be fair and honest you are not a professional appraiser and with this in mind I would knock 10% percent off just to be fair; unless of course the grandfather clock is PERFECT, and then increase the price by 20-30 percent over what you have seen.
Here is how to look up the sell price.
With all this information at hand, buy a three day subscription at Antique Clock Price Guide (dot) com where you can look up your grandfather clock. This site has a list of the selling prices of most grandfather clocks, the value (most often based on an appraiser) and the place it was last sold. Now look up your clock and find the selling price and note the condition; pristine, excellent, good, fair, etc. Now looking at your evaluation, you can increase the selling price if your clock is in better condition than the last one sold. You can also decrease the price if the one sold was of a greater value.
Given you are not a full time appraiser I would suggest you reduce the price by 10% percent unless of course the grandfather clock has a very colorful history, is perfect or rather rare and then I would increase the price by 20-30% percent over what you have seen.
A little more to consider before setting the price.
To be fair though, one of the major areas of concern is how well the grandfather clock was maintained. Is the clock movement in a well-maintained state or is it in need of major repairs? The answer to this question and the overall look of the grandfather clock will set the value in the buyer’s mind. If they do have to do repairs this only drops the price, but not the (after-repair) value of the clock. Refinishing the cabinet, changing the clock movement for a more expensive unit, adding adornments that were not on the original clock, unnecessarily replacing clock faces or hands will all decrease the value of the clock. So only fix or repair what is needed and never try to improve the value of the clock.
For last sold price check out: Antique Clocks
Tags: antique clock, antique grandfather wall clock, clock, Clocks, grandfather clock, longcase clock
