Old German Clock....

[bolthead]

My wife has this very old German Clock that belonged to her Great Grand Mother. You'll notice on the back of it that it dates back to 1902. It doesn't work anymore, but she still displays it, loves it dearly. I keep telling her to insure it even though it's not working anymore, but don't have a clue as to what it might be worth. It weighs a ton. I thought I'd share it with you all and maybe get some feedback from the best of the best. I hope you enjoy it as much as she does.

 

[bolthead]

Here's the back.......

Thanks for lookin'.

 

[dhermann1]

You're very close to New Hope and Lambertville. I think you should take down to one of the antique shops there and have it properly valued. It might be relatively easy and worthwhile to repair. It's absolutely beautiful. Treasure it, but INSURE IT!

 

[russa11]

that is a nice looking clock. If you are able to, I say have it fixed and insured also.

 

[Vintage Betty]

You have a lovely example of a China clock from Germany. It's retail value, when working, will probably run $450-$650, depending on region. I'd insure this for that amount after the clock is fixed. You can compare similar clocks here.

Without seeing the clock, I'm estimating that it's balance needs to be fixed and it's winding movement is overwound. This is typical of clocks of this period and you'll find that this is a problem that needs to be corrected every now and than.

Clocks are one of the rare pieces of antiques that need to be kept working in order to maximize their value. By not using the clocks, the parts tend to freeze and stick, thus minimizing the value of the clock. By fixing the clock, the parts will work correctly, and afford not only the enjoyment of the clock itself and the legacy of your family, but will also lubricate the parts so that they work correctly.

A reputable clock repair person in your region should be able to fix this clock for you. Remember to pack the clock well for transportation, and pay for a general cleaning too. This will ensure that the work performed will actually continue for many years, maximizing the repair and minimizing future costs of upkeep.

Congratulations on a beautiful heirloom to enjoy for many years to come.

Vintage Betty

 

[Alan Eardley]

You can see from the photos that the feather is out of whack. That's an easy thing to fix. Other possible faults are likely to be invisible. I wouldn't assume anything until I had that pendulum swinging correctly.

I wish clocks like that went for that sort of money in Europe...

Alan

 

[MrNewportCustom]

Bolthead. The tag on the back dates to 1902, but I think the clock is much older. Also, the tag is in English (March), not German (Marz).

The date of manufacture would be printed on the clock. Is that a date over the word "Bonn" below the opening? I can't say for certain, but based on fiddling with the image in Photoshop I'd say your clock is older than 1902. Do you have a strong magnifying glass?

Regardless, it's an absolutely beautiful clock.

Lee

 

[bolthead]

Bolthead. The tag on the back dates to 1902, but I think the clock is much older. Also, the tag is in English (March), not German (Marz).

The date of manufacture would be printed on the clock. Is that a date over the word "Bonn" below the opening? I can't say for certain, but based on fiddling with the image in Photoshop I'd say your clock is older than 1902. Do you have a strong magnifying glass?

Regardless, it's an absolutely beautiful clock.

Lee

My eyesight isn't the greatest, even with my reading glasses on I can't quite make out that date you're talking about. There is indeed a date over the word Bonn. I do have a magnifying glass, but I don't know exactly how powerful it is. Is that why you asked if I had one? [huh]

 

[MrNewportCustom]

Yes. I tried enlarging and sharpening your picture of the back, but that resulted in blurred pictures. Looking at it without magnification, though, it looks to me like the date is pre-1902.


Lee

 

[bolthead]

Yes. I tried enlarging and sharpening your picture of the back, but that resulted in blurred pictures. Looking at it without magnification, though, it looks to me like the date is pre-1902.


Lee

.....it is indeed. 1855. thank you very much.

 

[MrNewportCustom]

You're welcome, sir. Happy to be of assistance.


Lee

 

[Lucky Strike]

Bolthead: Your wife's clock was made the Franz Anton Mehlem stoneware factory in Bonn. It was established in Bonn in 1755 (this is what the date in the mark refers to), moved to the town of Pazaurek inn 1836, and operated until around 1930. Judging by the mark, the style and colours of the casing and the type of movement, it was made in the final years of the factory's life, say around 1900. The fact that it's marked with country of origin in English supports this - this was legally introduced in Germany in 1894, after the UK made markings mandatory in 1887. The "La Garde" (?) marking under the factory mark is the name of the pattern.

If you take a magnifying glass to the decor, you'll probably be able to see if the flowery parts of the decoration were hand-painted or printed. Printed decor will show up in small dots, while you should be able to see minute brushstrokes if it's hand-painted.

The movement has some markings on it - are you able to read them? Clocks of this type often have good movements in them, typically Junghans or Becker. It doesn't look French, which is often the case with these mantle clocks. Could it be American? Waterbury, Ansonia, etc.?

 

[Josephine]

The original post made me get out my great grandmother's old clock, and the revival prompted me to take pictures of it. It's not German, it was made by Waterbury Clock (Company?), and the model is Parlor No. 34. I need to get it cleaned, etc, it runs, but the chime clunks rather than... chimes. I've found out information about Waterbury, but nothing on this particular model. I think I should get it appraised and insured.