How to Identify Antique Wooden Grandmother Clocks

Look at the dial or the movement for the signature of the clock maker. (The movement is the internal working system of the clock, that contains weights, chains, and toothed cogs).

Check for a paper label somewhere on the body of the clock. The information it provides should include the name of the clockmaker (and the company), as well as the city and country that the clock was made in. This can be useful information for dating an antique grandmother clock. An antique expert will be familiar with the history of clock-making companies, and in which cities they manufactured particular models.

Compare the style of the clock with an antiques clock book. According to Discover Clocks website, some styles include iron, cottage, beehive, and black mantel.

Check the additional materials that have been used to manufacture the clock. The glassware, and the materials that the dial and chimes are made from will all have their own antique manufacturing history, from which it is possible to tell when the clock has been made. These will correspond with dates and production companies.

Identify the date of manufacture from the decoration styles and stencilling used to embellish the exterior of the clock. Use an antique clock illustration book to cross-compare and identify different styles.