New to the forum needing advice

Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:27 pm     Post subject: New to the forum needing advice

Firstly I would like to say hello to everyone as I am new to the forum and the world of clocks.
I have recently aquired a grandfather clock, I was given it by the pub I work in and the pub dates back to 1780, the clock on the other hand I have no idea how old it is or who the maker was as there is no makers stamp on the clock anywhere, if anyone has any ideaas to who the maker was or even the date it was made I would be really grateful. the only thing on the clock mechanism is a four digit stamp "3869" on the back plate. The clock is 7 foot 9 and a half inches tall, 12 inches deep and twenty and a half inches wide.
I have added some pictures
Many thanks
Mike

Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:55 am     Post subject: Re: needing advice

It was a gift??? Very generous of them I must say.

Without being able to examine the clock it's next to impossible to hazard a guess as to it's origin and exact age. It is obviously cable and weight driven; a three train movement, probably 8 day running time with seconds bit. The nest of eight bells tells me that the chime is more than likely Whittington (usually just called 'Chime on Eight Bells' on older clocks such as this one). Usually a second chime is included, often Westminster. It was often referred to as 'Cambridge chime' on some clocks sold in the UK. Chiming is every quarter hour with the hour being struck on a large coil gong. (not seen in the photos, but the gong hammer is visible). The movement itself could be either English or German in origin.
The casework carvings are excellent and show a lot of detail work. Unfortunately I cannot tell from the photos what wood was used for the case.
All in all a very lovely clock. It would bring a handsome price in any antique shop.

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 7:56 am     Post subject:

Thank you clkwrx for the reply, I took some photos of of the clock to Bonhams and a local antique dealers and was told it was from around 1870 and the case is carved oak, they also said the movement was a fine example and possibly from thr georgian period.
As you said it does have two chimes alternated by a switch on the dial, the movement is missing the weights and the pendulum suspension and the hour hand is broken but all these are available on the net, the dealers told me that its value was not great as this type of big bold clock was not in vogue at the moment as peope wanted nice clean lines but I don't care as I really like the clock as it has so much character and intend replacing the missing parts and bringing this grand old gentleman back to it's former glory.
Once again many thanks
Mike

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 8:29 am     Post subject: Re: Needing advice

I suspected that the case might be oak, but couldn't be positive without a close-up view. I would agree with the estimated age by the dealer. Circa 1870 sounds about right for this type of clock movement.
I don't know where the dealer came up with the idea that there isn't much value to the clock. Perhaps not locally (although I find that strange), but it would command a respectable price in any North American shop or if it should come up for auction. In any event it is well worth investing in restoration.
Parts should be available from sources in the UK, in the US, or on the net. Best of luck in restoring this treasure.