I purchased this Schmeckenbecker Grandfather Clock at an estate sale. I was told that the couple had purchased the clock while visiting Germany several years ago. Almost no information is available online about this type of grandfather clock. I did find that Mr. Schmeckenbecker handmade each clock himself prior to selling his business to a corporate enterprise, so this is probably a one of a kind piece. The only other of his grandfather clocks that I can locate is a YouTube video, and that is a more traditional, ornate, dark wood clock. Mine is much lighter wood with birds eye maple accent. I have not tried to operate the clock, but I do have paperwork showing that the owners had it cleaned and up and it was running, so I believe it can work. I am holding off having it worked on until I have a better idea of its worth. My goal is to establish a value and sell the item.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Few Schmeckenbecher tall- or long-case clocks have auctioned in the past 20 years but those that were have brought prices ranging below $500; I don't know what running condition those clocks were in. As a general rule, and particularly if you are considering selling this, we do not recommend restoring for a couple of reasons: 1) recent restorations can send up red flags to potential buyers and 2) you might not recoup restoration costs in the final sale price.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A vintage Emil Schmeckenbecher cherrywood or maple tallcase clock
made in Germany in the third quarter 20th Century
With an arched hood with birds-eye maple veneered lunette, white enameled dial inscribed "Schmeckenbecher " with Roman numeral hours and Arabic numeral second dial, the case with glass front door, lyre-form brass pendulum and weights, on a birds-eye maple veneered box base.
75 inches high
CONDITION: structurally appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: acquired at a garage/yard sale.
$300-500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
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