Tempus Fugit Grandmother Clock Value Guide
- Period
- 1950-1980
- Origin
- United States
- Materials
- painted wood, brass, glass, metal movement
- Category
- Grandmother clock
These mid-20th century American grandmother clocks are prized for their compact shortcase design and elegant brass dials featuring Roman numerals. Often featuring the Tempus Fugit emblem, they offer a classic aesthetic and functional chiming pendulum movement suitable for modern homes with limited floor space.
What affects the value of Tempus Fugit Grandmother Clock?
- The operational condition and accuracy of the internal metal chiming movement and pendulum.
- The preservation and quality of the original painted finish on the wooden case.
- The presence of all original components, including the brass dial, weights, and glass panels.
- Current market demand for mid-century American-made decorative and functional furniture.
How to Identify Tempus Fugit Grandmother Clock?
- Look for the Tempus Fugit (Time Flies) inscription prominently displayed on the brass dial or moonphase disc.
- Identify the smaller grandmother scale, which is significantly shorter than a traditional longcase or grandfather clock.
- Check for a mechanical pendulum movement housed within a painted wooden case dating from the 1950-1980 era.
- Verify the presence of a brass face with Roman numerals protected by a glass-enclosed hood.
History of Tempus Fugit Grandmother Clock
Grandmother clocks are a smaller variant of the traditional longcase or grandfather clock, gaining popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries for homes with less space. The Tempus Fugit emblem, Latin for time flies, has been used by many clockmakers and retailers to decorate dials and moonphase discs. These clocks typically combine mechanical pendulum movements with chiming strikes, and were often produced by American and European manufacturers during the mid-20th century and later as decorative functional pieces.
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