Ogee Clock Value Guide

The Ogee clock is a quintessential piece of 19th-century Americana, distinguished by its signature 'S' shaped ogee molding. These clocks revolutionized domestic timekeeping by making brass-movement technology affordable and accessible to the average American household between 1840 and 1860.

What affects the value of Ogee Clock?

• The condition and originality of the decorative glass panel significantly impact the $200-$300 price range.
• Presence of the original manufacturer's label increases historical value and provenance.
• The type of wood veneer used, such as mahogany or rosewood, and its state of preservation.
• Mechanical functionality and the presence of original weights and pendulum.

How to Identify Ogee Clock?

• Look for the characteristic 'S' curve ogee molding on the outer frame of the wooden case.
• Examine the lower glass tablet for original hand-painted or stenciled decorative scenes.
• Check the interior for a manufacturer's paper label, often found pasted to the backboard.
• Verify the presence of a weight-driven brass movement rather than a later spring-driven mechanism.

History of Ogee Clock

Ogee clocks were first introduced around the 1830s and quickly became popular throughout the 19th century in America. Named for the ogee molding that frames their cases, these clocks were produced by numerous manufacturers and became a staple in American homes, representing an accessible form of domestic clock ownership.