Rack, Snail, and Risk: Inside a Longcase Clock Repair | Part I

One of the oldest clocks in my collection is a Scottish tall case (long case) clock made in the late 1840s. I acquired it in 2020, and I was quite excited—it was my first antique tall case clock. It features what is known as an English bell strike, with a rack and snail striking the … More Rack, Snail, and Risk: Inside a Longcase Clock Repair | Part I

Are Grandfather Clocks Making a Comeback?

Will grandfather clock prices go up in 2026? That’s the question. And while no one can predict the market with certainty, there are a few subtle signs worth paying attention to. Just recently, I came across a recent article in House Beautiful titled “This Status Symbol From Your Grandmother’s House Is Suddenly Cool Again.” The … More Are Grandfather Clocks Making a Comeback?

From Holocaust Survivor to Canadian Visionary: The Story of Craftline Industries

In an era when Canadian furniture manufacturers were struggling to compete with international imports, one company stood out not just for its elegant craftsmanship but for the remarkable story behind its founder. Craftline Industries, established in Toronto during the mid-20th century, was the brainchild of Manny Drukier, a Holocaust survivor whose vision, ingenuity, and resilience … More From Holocaust Survivor to Canadian Visionary: The Story of Craftline Industries

Beginner’s Guide to Choosing an Antique or Vintage Clock

Buying your first clock is an exciting journey, but it can also feel a bit daunting. In this article, I’ll share some practical tips and advice to help you choose your first clock and discuss the various types of clocks to consider. One of the goals of this blog is to introduce antique and vintage … More Beginner’s Guide to Choosing an Antique or Vintage Clock

Moving a Grandfather Clock Even a Few Meters Takes Care and Attention

Transporting antique clocks requires meticulous care due to their delicate mechanisms and fragile components, including glass panels and chime or strike rods. Whether you’re moving a clock across the house, across town, or shipping it across the country, proper packing and handling are essential to avoid damage. However, this guide focuses on the steps needed … More Moving a Grandfather Clock Even a Few Meters Takes Care and Attention

A challenge to anyone who can help unearth the history of the Craftline Clock Company

Who is Craftline and why do we know so little about a company that sold fine clocks that adorned the living rooms of many Canadian homes from coast to coast? In the 1970s through the 1980s and into the 1990s, having a grandfather clock in the home was a symbol of success, and many families … More A challenge to anyone who can help unearth the history of the Craftline Clock Company

Unravelling the Various Names of the grandfather clock

The tall clock that may be gracing your hallway or living room belongs to a bygone era. That sense of history and tradition seems to be missing in our modern world. In an era defined by fast-paced technological advancements and fleeting trends, the tall clock stands as a reminder of an earlier era when craftsmanship … More Unravelling the Various Names of the grandfather clock

Tick Talk Tuesday #47 Mason and Sullivan movement in a grandfather clock

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. DH writes I am the executor of an estate … More Tick Talk Tuesday #47 Mason and Sullivan movement in a grandfather clock

Tick Talk Tuesday #46 – I’m looking at a grandfather clock

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. It is important to respond to emails from interested … More Tick Talk Tuesday #46 – I’m looking at a grandfather clock

The grandfather clock that never was – a personal journey

In 1981 my wife and I decided to buy a grandfather clock. We were newly married, living in Calgary, Alberta (Canada) at the time, and thought a grandfather clock would look perfect in our spanking new condominium. Grandfather clocks were all the rage back then and every home had to have one. Indeed, it was … More The grandfather clock that never was – a personal journey

Craftline grandfather clock – why so little information online?

There was a time in the 1970s and 1980s when every family of sufficient means had a grandfather clock in their home. It was a symbol of success but today, nobody wants them. Two years ago my daughter bought a new home in a large western Canadian city. There were a couple of pieces of … More Craftline grandfather clock – why so little information online?

Tick Talk Tuesday #42 – Ridgeway clock damaged in shipping

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from readers concerning clock issues, challenges faced, a clock you would profiled or advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump even me, I consult within my clock circles for the best possible answer PS writes; I have a … More Tick Talk Tuesday #42 – Ridgeway clock damaged in shipping

Antique or Vintage Clocks: The Perfect Unique Gift Ideas

Ah, the holiday season is upon us, what to buy? Are you are looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member. An antique clock may not be anything you have considered but wouldn’t it make a terrific gift. If you know a little about antique or vintage clocks or you know nothing … More Antique or Vintage Clocks: The Perfect Unique Gift Ideas

New Haven hall clock – Restoring the case

I found the clock on an online for sale site in the spring of 2021 and contacted the seller the same day. When I saw the sellers photos my first thought was that it was pretty reasonably priced for a hall clock, known by many as a grandfather clock. I decided to take a chance, … More New Haven hall clock – Restoring the case

Tick Talk Tuesday #36 – a tall case clock is transformed

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clock, issues you might have had, challenges you face or a clock you would like me to profile or my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump … More Tick Talk Tuesday #36 – a tall case clock is transformed

Hall clock mystery is solved

Welcome back. The mystery is solved! In the spring of 2021 I responded to an ad on a local online for sale site for what appeared to be an antique hall clock. It was inexpensive and I now know why. The seller bought it 20 years ago and in the midst of downsizing it had … More Hall clock mystery is solved

Tick Talk Tuesday #33 – buying a vintage grandfather clock – advice for a reader

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clock, issues you might have had, challenges you face, a clock you would like me to profile, my advice on your particular clock concern or a general clock question. For those comments and questions that stump even me, … More Tick Talk Tuesday #33 – buying a vintage grandfather clock – advice for a reader

Crazy clock ads – Grandfather clock ad – am I seeing double?

The ad: Herschede Sheffied Grandfather clock $2,500 Model #230, 9 tube, 3 different chimes, moondial, chime/silent, burlwood, original wind/door keys, has been recently serviced. Okay so, you want to sell your clock but for $2500 shouldn’t the photo be better than this? And Sheffield is spelt wrong!

English bell strike servicing Part I – the assessment

In February 2020 my wife was perusing an online auction house looking for interesting bargains and noticed a 170-year-old Scottish tall case offered for bidding. Over the past couple of years we had talked about acquiring an antique tall case clock but those we liked were either well beyond our reach or required extensive repairs … More English bell strike servicing Part I – the assessment

Restoring an 1850s Scottish tall clock case – Part I

This is my first experience with a tall case clock from the 1850s and my first venture into English bell strike movement servicing. Let me explain. Although the case was made in Scotland, the movement, dial and weights are all from Birmingham, England made at or before 1850. The clock was in fair condition when … More Restoring an 1850s Scottish tall clock case – Part I

Disassembling an antique tall case clock

The disassembly of an antique tall case clock need not be a daunting task. When I bought this clock at auction at the beginning of 2020 I put into practice some of the things I had learned when transporting a Ridgeway grandfather clock in 2013. My advice is to work slowly and methodically but think … More Disassembling an antique tall case clock

Lessons learned restoring grandfather’s old clock

I’ve thought about this clock, dreamt about it, wondered where it was all these years……and now I have it. I was confident that I could do something with this clock since I had just finished a major restoration project. I had no idea that the clock I was getting was a movement in a homemade … More Lessons learned restoring grandfather’s old clock

Holy Smokes, a grandfather clock

The ad simply says “Clock”. It is working, very god condition Must have been blessed by the Pope.

Antique Grandmother Clock in Immaculate Condition

Antique Grandmother Clock in Immaculate Condition I am selling my wife’s grandmother clock because it does not suit the decor of our new home. She has treasured this antique for years and doesn’t want to part with it. Please make my execution as painless as possible and buy this clock quickly. Keeps perfect time and … More Antique Grandmother Clock in Immaculate Condition

Tempus Fugit – what you need to know about the worlds fastest growing clock company

Now for a little tongue in cheek. The Tempus Fugit Clock Company must be doing exceptionally well. Tempus Fugit clocks are everywhere, online for-sale sites, eBay, Kijiji and the like. Type “Tempus Fugit” in the eBay search box and dozens of wall clocks, grandfather clocks and mantel clocks will pop up. Not only can the … More Tempus Fugit – what you need to know about the worlds fastest growing clock company