Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks

^{Tick-Talk Tuesday is dedicated to addressing readers’ letters and comments related to clock issues, challenges, and recommendations for specific clocks. In cases where the comments and questions are particularly challenging, I seek advice from my fellow clock enthusiasts to provide the most accurate and helpful response.}

JZ writes

I ran across your website trying to find info on some old clocks. My husband passed away in February and left me several. I have no desire to keep them but also have No knowledge of what to do with them.

I’m sending you pics of a few. I realize it’s difficult from pics to provide much but anything is more than I have at the moment.

My reply

I am sorry for your loss. I’ll begin by saying that I have no interest in any of the clocks.

With respect to the clocks left behind by your husband, there are a few options you might consider.

First, consider selling the clocks. If you have no desire to keep them you might be able to sell them to a collector as a lot or individually. You can also locate a reputable auction house or sell them online through websites like eBay or Etsy. Selling them locally through Facebook Marketplace avoids the hassle of packaging and shipping a clock to its new owner.

Donating the clocks to a local museum or historical society is another option. The clocks can be appreciated by those who have a passion for clocks.

Having the clocks appraised is another avenue to pursue but you run the risk of paying more for the expert opinion than the clocks are worth.

Antique items can certainly be worth a lot of money, but it is important to note that just because something is old or antique does not automatically make it valuable.

I am not a clock valuation expert and cannot physically inspect their construction, repair status, and overall condition and any estimate I offer from information provided to me by email regarding the clock’s value would be approximate.

If any of the clocks have a distinct history (provenance) or the maker is highly regarded, its value will be significantly higher but you have not provided enough information to suggest that.

The value of an antique clock depends on various factors such as rarity, condition, historical significance, the reputation of the maker, and finally market demand. Unfortunately, the market for antique clocks is not as strong as it once was though certain rare or highly sought-after antique clocks can still hold significant value in the market.

Judging from the photos alone I do not believe that any one of these clocks is worth more than $200, and some significantly less.

Hope this helps in your decision-making.