Emperor Grandfather Clock Value Guide

The Emperor Grandfather Clock is a quintessential American timepiece from the 1970s and 1980s, celebrated for bringing high-end horology into the domestic sphere through both kits and assembled units. These clocks are highly collectible for their classic longcase design, featuring intricate brass movements and the iconic melodic chimes that define the Emperor Clock Company legacy.

What Is Emperor Grandfather Clock Worth?

The typical price range for Emperor Grandfather Clock is $500 - $600 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The specific wood type used in the casing, with solid hardwoods like cherry often commanding higher prices than standard oak.
• The operational condition of the brass movement and the accuracy of the Westminster or triple-chime sequences.
• Whether the unit was professionally factory-assembled or built from a consumer kit, as factory finishes often retain better value.
• The physical state of the glass panels and brass weights, including the presence of original decorative carvings or moon phase dials.

How to Identify Emperor Grandfather Clock?

• Look for the Emperor Clock Company branding or logo typically found on the dial face or the movement plate.
• Examine the case material for solid cherry, oak, or walnut, which were standard for Emperor's mid-to-late 20th-century production.
• Verify the presence of a brass weight-driven pendulum system and glass-paneled doors characteristic of the 1970-1980 era.
• Check for the specific 'Made in USA' markings on the internal mechanical components or the back of the wooden casing.

History of Emperor Grandfather Clock

Grandfather clocks, or longcase clocks, originated in 17th-century England. Early examples were weight-driven and housed in tall wooden cases to protect the pendulum. They quickly became symbols of status and craftsmanship, with intricate movements and detailed carvings. The name 'grandfather clock' is believed to have become popular after the 1876 song 'My Grandfather's Clock'. Emperor Clock Company, established in the mid-20th century, became a prominent manufacturer of these clocks, offering kits and fully assembled units, making them accessible to a wider audience.