I inherited this clock. It appears very old and rustic. I do know that it was purchased in the early 1920's by my Grandfather in New York. There are no markings on the outside of the clock or on the dials. Where do I start to find out information about it.
Other places on the clock to look for a makers ID: the clock works inside, the inside of the back panel, the back side of the pendulum. If the back of the clock case doesn't have a door to access the inner workings, it probably will have small screws or nails that will need to be removed to look at the inside "guts", which should be brass. But I'm betting there is a door on the back, to make it easier to access the brass workings for regular oiling. The best way to identify the clock is to either take it to a clock shop in person, OR take several really good photos and send them to a shop or an appraiser and ask for help. Good luck.
A large number of unmarked clocks, especially wall clocks (sometimes called grandmother clocks) were made in the US and many were made in small shops from parts/movements that were ordered from companies in the US and from all over the world. You may find different names on places inside the clock, especially inside the back cover.
The following is just guessing here but I know this is what clock history states about many antique unmarked clocks (especially wall/grandmother clocks).
Most likely your Grandfather purchased it from a small shop/store in New York and probably picked out the design he liked from a book of pictures the shop keepers kept on display. The clock builder would then build the clock and deliver it for a set price.
The only identification may have been a paper label or maybe just a paid receipt.
There are antique clock forums that may be able to provide more information but each one will ask if you have searched for any names or other information and they will want a close up picture of the clock face and the small mark under the clock face.
There are also sites that offer free appraisals that may provide information but most will not provide an appraisal if the item is valued at less than $500 so you may have to go elsewhere and pay for an appraisal as the would provide the most information and provide a value in case you decide to sell it later.
www.whatsellsbest.com/
My guess is it is a German Box Wall Clock. There were many unbranded ones and some can be quite valuable if they run and are in good shape.
I don't know where you are located, but we have a repair place in Pittsburgh that is excellent. Maybe they can assist:
www.paulsclockrepairpittsburghpa.../
They would probably not remember me. I dealt with them several years ago when a client was trying to decide whether to keep or sell a clock he inherited.
They were very kind and my client ended up keeping the clock because of sentimental reasons.
Post back what they say!!
Thanks for sharing.
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I have a grandmother clock and would like to know the year it was made and the value, if possible. On the back of the clock, it looks like it's burned into the wood.
The number doesn't make sense to me and can't find a date it was made, but the numbers are there.
Are you sure your clock is a grandmother clock?
This is very important as there are differences between the grandmother and grandfather clocks.
I just want you to be sure that your clock is a grandmother clock and not a grandfather before you ask for information/value.
Also, most people do not really know the difference and many will list a grandmother clock as a grandfather clock.
Grandmother clocks do not seem to be as popular as grandfather clocks and do not always sell for as much money.
You will find grandfather clocks listed for sale as low as $99 and into the thousands but it is not always easy to find one that sold online for very much money unless it is sold by a dealer.
There is a lot of information online about Seth Thomas clocks but finding value means you have to find an identical item that has sold as this shows what someone was willing to pay for that item.
Clocks are slow sellers and very expensive to move so most sellers (except shops) list their clocks as 'local pick up only'.
You can search for an identical clock but it will mean looking at many listings/photos and you still may not find it. You can also try asking your questions on clock forums as they will know what the numbers mean and may be able to help with value.
There are several forums available but you can check these out:
www.clockworks.com/
www.discoverclocks.com/
mb.nawcc.org/
www.grandfather-clock-info.com/
Here are some photos of Seth Thomas clocks:
www.antiqueclockspriceguide.com/
A very good site to visit for information is Reddit:
You have to join and post pictures but the answers are usually reliable.
www.reddit.com/
The Seth Thomas Clock Company began producing clocks in 1813. This company was founded by Seth Thomas and was incorporated as the "Seth Thomas Clock Company" in 1853. Seth Thomas Clock Company was one of the most prolific and long lived clock companies. The quality of their products was always maintained at an above average level. The company manufactured longcase clocks (grandfather / grandmother clocks), mantel, wall, and table-top clocks, clock movements for the Self Winding Clock Company. The Seth Thomas company is closed and is no longer in operations. You can read the history of this company here: www.clockguy.com/
You have longcase clock
Model: 4471
Cutting: 1194
Movement: 403-015 28
Please check the height of your longcase clock. The Grandmother clocks are free-standing clocks with long cases and pendulums to keep time, but they are also smaller than grandfather clocks. A typical grandmother clock will be between 5 and 6 feet tall, designed to fit more effectively into smaller homes without sacrificing the ornamental style of the longcase clock.
I found Seth Thomas Grandfather clock that looks exactly like your model, on sale for $ 650: www.ebay.com/
Here is another grandfather clock exactly the same as your model 4471, but cutting 1093, movement 403-015 21: instappraisal.com/
I found another Seth Thomas grandmother clock that looks the same, the price is $ 600 (in 2012):
ticktockclockshop.com/
Here is another exactly the same model 4471, the same movement 403-015, circa 1981, 6'3 "Tall, sold for $ 325: bid.espeauctions.com/
There is another Grandfather Clock the same model 4471, cutting 1109, the same movement 403-015 21: instappraisal.com/
Therefore, most likely you have Seth Thomas Grandfather clock.
The price of longcase clocks depends on how it was maintained and how carefully restored. That's why the price of your model ranges from $ 325 to $ 650.
This was passed down to me from my mother. I would really love to find out more about the maker and the value.
Thank you.
