Posted 8 years ago
alynne
(2 items)
This beautiful grandfather clock belonged to my parents and was a special prize of my father’s, who had always wanted to own one. Since his passing several years ago, we have begun the process of downsizing my mother and this is one of those prized possessions that must go but we're trying to identify its value. I have something in writing from my Dad that indicates that clock's manufacturer was "Peerless". He thought it was made in Germany in the early 1900s, perhaps 1903 or so. His information must have come from the couple he bought it from but we're not sure how reliable it is.
We'd love to have any thoughts on how to identify this and determine approximate value. Thank you!
Alynne
Hi Alynne. Welcome to Collectors Weekly. I'm not that familiar with Peerless clocks at all. My impression is that they made some nice quality clocks. Your heirloom looks very nice. An eBay search doesn't return any Peerless Tall Case Clocks, but it may give you an idea of what comparable Grandfather Clocks are selling for these days.
See: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=peerless+grandfather+clock&_in_kw=1&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&LH_Complete=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=15&_stpos=17331-2501&_sargn=-1%26saslc%3D1&_salic=1&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=200
Unfortunately, the market for Tall Case Clocks continues to shrink.
There are many collectors here so maybe someone who is more familiar with the Peerless Company will find your posting.
Your Mom will no doubt miss your Dad's Clock. Hope you can find a good home for it while making new happy family memories for your Mom to enjoy.
Good luck and best wishes.
Hi Bruce,
Goodness, I so appreciate your responding even though you didn't have specific information about the clock. I am very grateful for your time and wish you all the best.
Blessings,
Alynne
Hi again alynne, I was able to find this much:
Peerless was a trademark used by Matthias Bäuerle GmbH of St. Georgen, Germany.
As the name suggests, "Peerless" was only used on their highest grade stock movements.
Like some French "Clock Makers", M. Bäuerle was more a movements supplier than a maker of complete clocks. They sent movements to case makers in Germany (of course), as well as to the US and Great Britain.
So...as with many French Clocks, Peerless Clocks can be very unique in that they don't conform to well known cataloged models of large clock manufacturing companies.
Your Dad's clock movement is comparable in quality to Winterhalder/Hoffmeier and Elliott movements.
I can see why he valued his clock so much. It's not a run of the mill, cheaply made Grandfather Clock. I've never seen a case like that either. There's not a lot of detail visible in your photo but it looks high quality from a distance.
I don't think the clock is turn of the 20th Century Old but I can't be certain. If you have documentation I won't argue with it. The Peerless Trademark was registered in 1903 so the date you have in your provenance information is possible at the earliest.
In order to be appreciated, you'll need to reach a market of collectors. That takes time. If there are no other family members who can give it a home, I would try to get at *least* $500 for it in today's market. Please keep in mind that I am a Collector and *NOT* an appraiser. I also know very little about your clock but here is a link to something I found online that I think may be comparable to your Dad's clock: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/39493704_german-oak-tall-case-clock-mathias-bauerle It sold at auction for a hammer price of $400 last year plus a 24% Buyer's Premium. If your clock is in good running condition it should really be worth a lot more in my opinion, but as mentioned this is a down market and many people just don't have the space for them. They are beautiful pieces of furniture and they have a presence all their own. Whoever gains possession of it, make certain they know why your Dad decided that it was the clock he always wanted.
Blessings to you and yours as well.
Bruce