We at 1-800-4CLOCKS.com have many serious clock collectors as customers. The most serious collectors of clocks tend to be grandfather clock collectors, but we also have many serious wall clocks and mantel clocks collectors as well. Many have themed clock collections, such as those from the Black Forest of Germany, or say, miniature grandfather clocks or trinket clocks like those of street clocks or tower clocks or, say, bicycle clocks. The clock possibilities and the themes behind them just go on and on.
But what if a serious collector has, say, 10 grandfather clocks in his or her home. Does that make this person a hoarder, a psychological term that seems to be thrown around rather loosely these days by people many of whom have few if any credentials in the area. What if each clock represents a different time and place in clock making history. Since the dawn of grandfather clocks in about 1650, and with distinct styles first in Western Europe, most specifically in Great Britain, Germany, France, Sweden and the Netherlands, and Eastern Europe, perhaps most notably linked with Viennese grandfather clocks, many exports specifically designed to meet the customer needs in the Far East including China and Japan, not to mention the American innovations added in more recent centuries, it is not difficult to imagine assembling a museum-like collection of antique grandfather clocks.
If one has the space and resources to afford it, we view this as a healthy habit which should be treasured by oneself and shared with others, whether they be horological fanatics or not. Tallcase and longcase clocks, also known as floor clocks, are each a special work of art.
Having said that, it is worth noting that there are some major grandfather clock museums around the world, and depending upon one’s estate planning approach, donating one or all antique clocks to a worthy institution is certainly something to be considered seriously. The same holds true for mantle clocks and wall clocks.
Sadly, clocks made in the last 100 years are not in most all cases – there are always exceptions to almost any rule – would not be of interest to a timepiece museum. We would also suggesting thinking about donations to local historical societies, municipal libraries, universities and colleges, and other worthy organizations.
Now if an individual had 100 grandfather clocks where it was hard for them to explain or for you to understand what the differences are between the many clocks, then, my friends, there may in fact be a more serious hoarding-type problem. We should point out that we are not professional psychiatrists or psychologists. Having said all that, if you are one of these people and all still convinced you need more grandfather, wall or mantel clocks, please be sure to make us your one stop shop for all your grandfather clock, wall clock, atomic clock, and mantel clock needs.
We are here to help, not to diagnose!