Emperor Grandfather Clock kit

Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 2:50 am     Post subject: Emperor Grandfather Clock kit

All, I've spent a HUGE amount of time researching for answers and have ran into a dead end. My father just gave me a 30 year old Emperor Grandfather Clock kit that is still in the original boxes/packaging and has never been put together. I'm just looking to see how much the clock is worth today...he paid a little over $300 for it new. I hate to part with it and not put it together myself but my wife and I just had a baby and unfortunately our financial situation is need of some help. He thought I could sell it and use the money to help with bills. The book with the clock says the following:

Emperor Clock Company
Model 101 High Pallet Bridge
8 day, weight driven, chain wind, full westminister chimes
Escapement - Graham
Movement by Hermle


THanks in advance for any help/advice.
Eric

Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 3:13 am     Post subject:

you can probably get $300 for it, if you put it up for auction on ebay. I am assuning this is just the clock movement, and not the wood case. the clock movement still sold and is $225 w/o the chimes and accessories.

Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 3:33 am     Post subject:

Hi, it's actually the entire clock...wood case, chimes, weights, etc.

Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 1:30 pm     Post subject:

Unfortunately, wood clock kits (unassembled) do not appreciate in value. The biggest problem is the wood itself. Wood is always changing and moving - especially in an unfinished state coupled with changing humidity and temperature conditions. Pre-cut and shaped wood pieces over 30 years old would be prone to possible defects such as warping, bowing, end checks, cracks, etc. Parts may also have expanded or shrunk, making a good fit between wood parts a bit more complicated to achieve. It is always best to assemble wood pieces as soon as possible (after receipt of a kit), so that protection of the wood assembly can be promoted with a durable coating of wood finish (polyurethane, varnish, etc).

The movement may be a different story, and might bring some value to the kit despite any possible loss of value due to wood piece defects. I will not claim that it will bring a lot of value. Since it is a mechanical movement, it will probably need to be serviced (cleaned/oiled) - especially after sitting in a box for 30 years. This should probably be done before any attempt to activate the movement. If you should sell the movement, it would be a good idea to inform the potential buyer that a good cleaning/oiling of the movement (before use) is highly recommended.