Thread: Grandfather Clock

Originally Posted by Chris Parks

My father built one of these in 1993 http://cornerclocks.com/Merchant2/me...=TempusFugitGM

I am looking at moving it on as we do not have anywhere to put it and it will only deteriorate if kept where it is. I have no idea if someone would buy it for the piece of furniture it is or just the movement. Dad did a reasonable job but to be honest it is not the best woodwork I have seen as he was getting on in years and was not in the best of health. Where would be the best place to advertise it or if anyone wants to have a look please PM me. Ebay does not appeal as I might like buying there but my one selling experience was very unpleasant so I will give that a miss. Gumtree also seems to be full of idiots but that is only what I have heard from others. all suggestions welcome, photos on request.

I do not envy your position Chris, and am not sure that I have any advice that you will want to hear.

I would guess that the clock would have a Hermle movement in it. Hermle went through a bit of a rough patch in the 70's and 80's where their quality dropped off, and the movements tended to be worn out to the point of scrapping after about 15 to 20 years. They have improved, I believe, since then, but still, Hermle or otherwise, a 23 year old movement is getting on toward the end of it's useful life. The movements are replaceable though, with brand new, near identical movements, if you can get the model number off the back of the movement.

That leaves the main value of the clock in the case. If it is a home made case, and, as you say, "not the best woodwork", then the value of the case might well be more to you, sentimentally, than it is to someone that has no emotional connection to the clock. (I have a couple of clocks, myself, which are priceless to me, for sentimental reasons, but would not fetch $30 on eBay.

Second hand/Antique shops, will charge the earth to sell you a clock, but offer you next to nothing if you wish to sell them one!

Do you have any other family members who might value the the clock on account of it being "a little part of your Dad", and who might appreciate having it?

You might stand a chance at a local "Antique Auction", where there are clock enthusiasts, but you pay a commission, and are at the mercy of whoever might or might not be there. You might get a good price, or you might get nothing.

You might advertise it in a local paper, or local "Community Notice Board". You would probably want a local buyer, as they can be expensive to ship long distances.

Can you post pictures of your actual clock?

Any way, I wish you well with your clock, and hope that you can find a good home for it.

regards
Walesey

Walesy, thanks for the reply. It is a real problem and as the older generation passes on we have to decide what to do with the possessions they valued but we can't keep everything they leave behind unfortunately. This clock hasn't been used for about eight years so have some life left in it I would think. I might try a few antique shops and see what happens.

Hi all this is not quite related to the thread however I will ask the question anyway. I have attempted to purchase a scroll saw pattern for a grandfather clock to no avail does anyone have a site to go to for purchase of pattern?

DiRob,Have you tried doing a "Google Search" on "Grandfather Clock Plans"? There is a group called "HB Clocks" (I think) that sell plans. From memory, they are available from CMI, who import most of the Hermle stuff into Australia. There may be others too that I am not aware of. Again, Google is your friend.CheersWalesey