Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks

Over the years, I have received countless emails from readers asking about clocks they own. Sometimes they are looking for information about a particular clock, sometimes they are trying to determine its value, and occasionally they ask whether I might be interested in acquiring it.

So, I thought I would put the question out there.

Do you have a good-quality mechanical clock that you no longer want, but would rather see go to someone who will appreciate it?

I may be interested.

I’m Looking for Quality Clocks

My collection has evolved over the years. Today, I am particularly interested in clocks with a Canadian connection, including clocks made by Canadian manufacturers or clocks that were sold or used in Canada. Arthur Pequegnat clocks, for example, are an important part of my collection.

That said, I am not limiting my interest exclusively to Canadian clocks.

A well-made mechanical clock from a respected manufacturer can be just as interesting, regardless of where it was made. I am interested in clocks with quality movements, interesting cases, historical significance, or simply something that makes the clock worth preserving.

The clock does not necessarily have to be running. A clock that needs servicing or repair may still be of interest, provided it is a worthwhile clock and comes with all its parts.

Perhaps You Have One Sitting Away Somewhere

Maybe you inherited a clock that has been sitting in a closet, basement or attic for years.

Perhaps you bought a clock some time ago and have since lost interest in it.

Maybe you have downsized and simply don’t have room for another clock.

Or perhaps you have a clock that might make selling it worthwhile, but you don’t have the time or inclination to sell it.

That is where I may be able to help.

If you are prepared to donate the clock to me, I would consider paying the cost of shipping it to me. In other words, rather than putting a good clock in the garbage, leaving it to gather dust, or giving it to someone who may not appreciate what it is, you could give it a new home where it will be appreciated and, where appropriate, restored and preserved.

What Am I Looking For?

There are no hard-and-fast rules, but I am primarily interested in:

• Good-quality mechanical clocks with all parts intact
• Canadian-made clocks or clocks with a Canadian connection
• Interesting or unusual antique clocks
• Clocks from recognized manufacturers
• Wall clocks, regulators, schoolhouse clocks, certain mantel clocks and other interesting mechanical clocks
• Clocks with historically significant cases or movements
• Clocks that may require cleaning, servicing or repair

I am not looking for inexpensive modern mass-produced clocks simply because they happen to be mechanical.

Quality matters.

I would much rather receive one interesting, well-made clock than several ordinary ones.

What About Shipping?

If you have a clock that you think might be suitable, please contact me before shipping anything.

I would want to see photographs of the clock, the movement and any identifying markings first. This allows me to determine whether it is something that would be appropriate for my collection.

If we agree that it is a clock I would like to have, we can then discuss the best way to get it to me. Depending on the circumstances, I would be willing to consider covering reasonable shipping costs.

The important point is that I am not asking anyone to spend money shipping a clock to me without first contacting me.

Why Give It Away?

Collectors are often faced with a difficult question: What happens to the collection when I am no longer interested in it?

Sometimes a clock is worth very little financially but has considerable historical or mechanical interest. Other clocks may be valuable but difficult to sell because the market for antique mechanical clocks is relatively specialized.

If you have a clock that you simply don’t want anymore, perhaps finding someone who will appreciate it is more important than getting money for it.

That is something I understand.

About three years ago a gentleman from central Canada was researching his grandfather’s vintage clock online and found a similar one, which led him to my blog. We exchanged emails about the history and condition of his grandfather’s clock and he asked about its resale potential. Based on the current market, I provided him with an estimated value.

I suggested several methods for selling the clock and offered to consider purchasing it myself if he could not find a buyer. Unaware that I would hear from him again, four months later he reached out and offered to gift me the clock, confident it would be cherished by a collector like myself. The condition was that I make a donation to a charity.

I know more about this clock than almost anything in my collection. The well-preserved clock owned by his grandfather and carefully stored for approximately 25 years came with all the documentation. Nothing is missing from the clock; all the parts are intact.

I gave a donation to the Society of St Vincent de Paul.

I collect clocks because I enjoy them. I enjoy researching them, repairing them, photographing them and writing about them. More importantly, I enjoy preserving a small piece of horological history.

So, if you have a good-quality clock that you would like to see go to someone who will appreciate it, I’d be happy to hear from you.

You never know. That clock sitting quietly in your basement might just be the next interesting addition to my collection.

If you think you have a clock that might be suitable, send me a few photographs and tell me what you know about it. There is no obligation and no guarantee that I will be interested, but I will certainly take a look.