Posted 8 years ago
CharS75
(1 item)
I know this is an original early clock, it has been hanging on the wall my entire life, my mom said it might be worth money, but I dont know. The pendulum fell off years ago and there was no one in the area who was able to work on these clocks and didnt want to take a chance and damaging it. If anyone can tell me if this is just a dust collector or something i should do something with, i would appreciate it.
This is a long drop Octagon Wall Clock, also referred to as a "School House Clock". Although American Clock Manufacturers started calling some of their models "Regulators" (which usually means a highly accurate clock) strictly speaking, many of these models were Regulators in name only.
Your Heirloom looks to have a Time Only movement so it may be very accurate when running correctly.
In order to help identify your clock, please provide the following:
Any and all information printed, stamped or labeled on the dial, movement, case, pendulum and key. This includes names, trademarks, serial/model/patent numbers and dates.
Do you know how often it needs to be re-wound (30 hours, 8, 15 or 30 days?)
Measurements of the dial and case. Please take measurements at the longest, widest, and deepest points only.
Well lit photos of the entire case, with close-ups of the dial, movement and any distinctive decorative feature(s) or labels.
Please note if the case appears to have a simulated or "faux" finish. It looks like genuine wood to me with alligatored shellac finish...not unusual for antique wood finishes.
Any provenance information. How did your parents come to possess it?
This information will be very helpful, but it still may not lead to a definitive model or date.
As far as value is concerned, these types of clocks can sell for a little or a lot, depending on who made it, how rare the particular model is and its condition.
See this eBay listing of recently sold School House Clocks sorted in descending order of price: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&LH_Sold=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=15&_stpos=17331&_dmd=1&_ipg=200&LH_Complete=1&_nkw=school+house+clock&_sop=16
Ultimately, only you can determine this clock's value. It's an heirloom, right? It can't be replaced as far as your family's history is concerned.
Hope that helps a little.