Posted 12 years ago
zenitlady
(2 items)
This wonderful round top Grandfather clock is over 8 1/2 feet tall. The floor had to be cut and lowered to accommodate it's installation. We think the case is white oak or perhaps walnut. The chimes are quite large and sound deeply resonant. Elaborate face with a wonderful moon dial and sailing ship. Only markings we can find are on the back of the case--a 1, under that a 146 and under that an 800. Not much to go on, would love to know more.
It looks like you may have a very early Herschede Model which was referred to as "Pattern No. 146". The only difference that I see is that the Pattern No. 146 measures "only" 8 feet 3 inches high, 29 inches wide and 18 inches deep. It would be from circa 1910 give or take a couple of years. That was right before Herschede started to manufacture and sell their own tubular bell movements (in 1911). You can see an example of the Herschede Pattern No. 146 here:
http://www.antiquesimagearchive.com/items/D9853817.html and decide for yourself if that is indeed what you have. I think the "146" on the case kind of seals the deal for me anyway based upon what little I can see. There's no mention in my book as to what type of wood this clock's case was offered in. I know that Herschede tended towards Honduran Mahogany and Cherry but that was well after 1910...more towards the mid 1900's.
Bet it sounds beautiful! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Bruce99, I believe you have nailed it! I am not sure on the length measurement, but will certainly confirm that. Am very excited with the information you have provided--had no idea that the 146 would be the key piece of data. Thank you so very, very much!
You're very welcome zenitlady! If you confirm the measurements and positively identify your clock as the Pattern 146, please indicate your mystery as being "solved". I believe there should be a check box within your listing to do so. This is certainly not a common model. I've only been able to find one which sold at an auction in New Orleans back in 2007. It was missing one of the tubular bells and had some other condition issues which really reduce the general interest level but it still sold for $3,500 (approx $4,000 in 2013). In the right market, I think that a clock like yours in good, complete running condition could sell at auction for $6,500 today (give or take $500). Bear in mind that the buyer would be paying an additional 15-25% "Buyer's Premium" on top of that at most major auction houses. You just never know at an auction.
Thanks again for sharing such a magnificent Tall Case Clock!