Learning how to Invest in an Antique Grandfather Clock

It might surprise you to know that clockmakers have never actually called tall clocks actuated by pendulums “grandfather clocks”. In general, people began to attach this rather picturesque name to the clock when a popular song in the late 19th century by Henry Clay Work made reference to these stately timekeeping devices as grandfather clocks. And the name stuck. Before you decide to invest in an antique grandfather clock, it would be a good idea to pick up a little bit of the clocks history and a little bit of buying advice.

The antique grandfather clock you’re eyeing at the antique store – they were originally called tall case clocks. Clocks of this design had their start at the hands of a Dutch inventor in the 17th century. He was the first one who realized that the motion of a pendulum could be used as a very accurate (by the standards of the day) timekeeper. Another inventor, William Clement, a few years later, made further refinements to the pendulum design. And the antique grandfather clock that you're already mentally trying out in every part of the lobby in your home, was born.

Buying an antique grandfather clock isn't like buying a digital watch, of course. In other words, it's kind of high maintenance. To keep these clocks running in top condition without having to yell for the clock repairman every other day, it would be a good idea if you learned a little about them yourself.

Basically, your antique grandfather clock has four important parts. The most important part is the weight – which is what powers the clock. The train is the part that takes the pull of the weight and turns it into rotary motion. The escapement turns that into regular second-long intermittent motion. And the pendulum keeps check over all of these. You need to train yourself in setting these parts up to get the most out of your antique acquisition.

When you go to buy an antique clock, your best bet for a great investment would be acquiring one of the major yesteryear brands. Back in the mid-18th century, David Rittenhouse of Philadelphia was considered one of the best clockmakers. Edward Duffield was a famous brand to. If you can find the older brands of Abel Gottey or Willliam Penn, so much the better.

When you set out to buy a clock, you're looking for the name, certainly, but you're also looking basically for how well the clock keeps time and how old it is. Basically, antique grandfather clocks have a great deal of value if they are really old, and they come from a famous maker.