Buying a Grandfather Clock: What to Check Before You Buy

Grandfather clocks — properly called longcase clocks — are among the most striking pieces of antique furniture you can own, and a well-made one can genuinely last generations. But buying one secondhand, whether from an auction, an estate sale or a dealer, is different from buying a piece of furniture that doesn't need to actually work. Here's what we'd check before handing over money.

Ask when it was last serviced

This is the single most useful question you can ask a seller. A longcase movement that hasn't been serviced in decades isn't necessarily damaged, but you should budget for a full service shortly after purchase, and factor that cost into your offer.

Look at the case, not just the movement

Check the case for veneer lifting, water staining at the base (a common issue from old flooring damp), and whether the trunk door seals properly — a loose-fitting door lets dust into the movement over time. Original brasswork with a soft patina is usually preferable to a case that's been harshly over-polished, which can actually reduce value.

Listen to it run, if you can

• Does the pendulum swing smoothly and evenly, without catching?
• Does the strike sound correct for the hour, and is the chime melody clean rather than muffled or uneven?
• Is there a consistent, steady ticking sound rather than an irregular or grinding one?

Factor in transport and setup

Longcase clocks need to be moved carefully — the weights, pendulum and sometimes the hood should be removed for transport, and the case needs to be levelled precisely once in its new home for the movement to run correctly. This is worth arranging with an experienced clockmaker rather than a general removalist.