Antique Grandmother Clocks For Sale

Antique Grandmother Clocks From History

While there isn’t much information on the grandmother clock, it’s worth noting that all pendulum timepieces share the same history. They originated from Galileo’s discovery in 1582 that pendulums could be used in time-keeping. That discovery led to a number of attempts on clock creation, eventually resulting in the very first long case clock that William Clement created in 1670. The use of these clocks started spreading among the wealthy across Europe and Asia and was considered as the most accurate way of telling time for over a century or two. 

The name ‘grandmother clock’ started in the 1920s, around the time this type of timepiece was first produced. Taking a page from the creators of grandfather clocks and implementing the features in a smaller form, the grandmother clock easily became popular. As this smaller version of the grandfather clock was offered at a cheaper price, many families were able to purchase one. It was so prominent in use, it wasn’t unusual to find this clock standing on almost every living room floor. 

Vintage Grandmother Clock

Aside from antiques, you’ll also find on our site vintage grandmother clocks that are perfect for a smaller room where the presence of the much bigger grandfather clocks would have been overpowering. The living room, as the place that welcomes guests and where the entire household usually comes together, is the preferred place for these beautiful timepieces. Other than the living room, these pieces are also perfect for the staircase landing, hall, and foyer. 

Love Antiques is the home of the best collections of vintage and antiques you can find. All you have to do is do a quick search on our website or click on our links, such as the different categories of antiques we provide. Feel free to contact us for more information to find the exact antiques you’re interested in.  

Grandmother Clocks FAQs

What is the difference between a grandmother and granddaughter clock?

Grandmother clocks are between 5ft. and 6ft. tall, had a solid wood case such as mahogany and was widely produced between the 1920s and 1930s. Granddaughter clocks are shorter, between 2ft. and 5ft. tall, and mostly created in the 1930s for those who wanted a much smaller model of the grandfather clocks. Cases of granddaughter clocks were usually veneered on plywood instead of solid timber, making them more affordable.

How much is a grandmother clock worth?

Just like other antiques, the value of grandmother clocks differs. These antiques could sell between $250 and $5,000. You will find that some markets would price them for $2,500, while in other markets, you could get them for $100. To ensure you get authentic items at the best prices, get them from a reputable antique dealer’s site that provides information on their antiques.

How does a grandmother clock actually work?

The grandmother clock, as a pendulum clock, functions just like the grandfather clock. As long as its pendulum swings, which is once per second, the clock will continue to tell time. The swinging movement of the weight attached at the bottom of the string is what powers the gears of the clock. Visit the Love Antiques site to find more information on this timepiece and other antiques.

What is considered a grandmother clock?

Antique timepieces can be classed into different categories. To be considered a grandmother clock, the timepiece has to stand on the floor, between 5 and 6 feet tall and is cased in wood. Created for homes that wanted a grandfather clock but didn’t have space nor the budget for it, the petite version that is the grandmother clock retains the decorative style - even the chimes - that these antique pendulum clocks are known for.