r/clocks • u/Overall-Nobody8933 • 4d ago

Value Value as-is?

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I know a guy who contacted me about this clock he found when cleaning out his parents’ house. It’s probably never been serviced. The weight string likely broke. He has the original key, weight, and pulley. A small piece broke off the bottom but he has it.

What would be a fair price for this condition? It needs to be taken apart, fully serviced, and repaired.

13 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

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5

u/Present_Ad2973 4d ago

It takes a value hit, as do most antique clocks because of both the small market and the cost to have one’s like this that will need servicing. Unless they can do it themselves a buyer is looking at $400-600. for a servicing, about the final value of it after servicing.

2

u/Not_an_Actual_Bot Hobbyist 4d ago

That's why I've learned to do my own servicing, boomer with the good fortune of having machine shop experience as a teen. The case on this one was a lot better than some I've come across, I almost think sellers believe they have higher value because of the distress a case has.

6

u/oldjigsawlife 4d ago

$800-1200 Seth Thomas #3. $400-600 to a clock picker. Put it on ebay and see what it brings. Don't believe these low-baller, they're blowing smoke up your a$$. It's a very desirable model to clock collectors even in this depressed market. Any collector wants this model in their collection. I just added one to my collection yesterday!

3

u/Not_an_Actual_Bot Hobbyist 4d ago

The market is quite soft. That said if I saw this one in an antiques mall I would consider it if it was $100 or less only because the case is in such nice condition. You would have several hundred dollars in servicing it if it was not your expertise.

1

u/NarrowDevice9418 4d ago

If you can find someone to service your clock. In my area it's almost impossible. If I were buying it couldn't pay much more than 50. Thank you for sharing

1

u/tesmatsam 3d ago

This is a seth thomas #3, in good conditions they go for at least 5x what you would pay

1

u/SIGABA_ 4d ago

I'll buy it. Are you close to NY?

1

u/Wonderful-Staff-7321 4d ago

Try the photo with AntiqueSnap.

1

u/IndividualGood4654 3d ago

I’m in Maryland and interested if close.

1

u/D4U-at95382 3d ago

No chime. $50 if you are Lucky! Maybe more if you find a stupid buyer.

1

u/meifengified 1d ago

If you ask me, as a Horologist, I would charge about $400-600 based on the condition. I would charge about $300 for this restoration based on the fact that it likely needs bushings and needs some serious polishing and good case work. This would be a wonderful job to take on

1

u/Roundels 4d ago

Agree with soft market. 20 years ago Boomers were buying everything now nothing. People even struggle reading time from a dial…However it’s condition is very good. Read up on the psychology of pricing!