Linz Bros Grandfather clock: What can you tell me?

Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 3:06 am     Post subject: Linz Bros Grandfather clock: What can you tell me?

I have a 8-9 ft tall, large grandfather clock I am trying to get some info on, and possibly an idea of what it is worth.

It is pre-1950 for sure, possibly pre-1940 or even earlier. On the clock face is the name "Linz Bros., Dallas, Texas." Is it possible that refers only to the movement, not the case or complete unit?

It has an hour chime and a quarter-hour chime, independently controlled, and a moon-phase indicator above the hands. The case was professionally refinished about 20 years ago and is in excellent condition. The chimes have been restrung, the back fabric replaced and there is a new pendulum, but all else is original parts. It needs to be cleaned, but works. The face needs some touchup, but all parts are there.

I'm curious about the manufacturer, and can't find anything about it thru Internet searches. Linz Bros seem to have been a jewelry firm in Dallas, but I can find nothing about any clocks they made.

Anyone have anything useful? Perhaps an estimate of its value?

Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 2:13 pm     Post subject:

Linz Bros. probably did not make any clock cases, clock movements, or clock faces. Many companies that sell (sold) clocks have the option of branding the clock face with their company/store information. Linz Bros probably took advantage of this. I am willing to bet that the wood case was constructed by one company, and the movement was manufactured by another. I am fairly certain neither were manufactured by Linz.

The movement may have some identifying marking on its front or rear plates. This, in turn, may also give you a clue to the case manufacturer (although I would not have great expectations for this).

Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 3:32 am     Post subject:

I took this apart when I was a kid, and I don't remember any markings in/on the movement. But I guess I'll have to take the head off to see for sure. It's pretty massive and it takes two people to do it safely.