Whittaker grandfather clock

[Steven Gugas]

This is a Whittaker grandfather clock. The brothers James and Samuel made them between 1690 and 1746. Only 8 are known to exist. This is number 9!! The face is hand painted. Anyone know how to determine which brother made it. James made two known to exist and Sam made six. Any help appreciated

 

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[Red-Coat]

Welcome to Tnet.

Nice looking clock, about which I know little, but this is from Brian & Joy Loomes’ Antique British Clock Valuation and Identification website:

“…they [the two brothers] did things in their own way. Samuel had an odd manner of making his hammer spring with a forked tale [sic, but I think he means ‘tail’], like that in a lantern clock - in his earlier clocks at least.”

You might try contacting Brian at the email address from the link below:

https://www.brianloomes.com/collecting/whittaker/index.html

 

[Trezurehunter]

That is one beautiful clock !

 

[Almy]

I like that very old clock. Where was it made? Is it still running? The wood is so heavily stained that it is not possible for me to identify it, but it does look like a even-textured wood like yellow poplar or pine. The whole face looks hand painted.

 

[Steven Gugas]

I like that very old clock. Where was it made? Is it still running? The wood is so heavily stained that it is not possible for me to identify it, but it does look like a even-textured wood like yellow poplar or pine. The whole face looks hand painted.

It was made in Mass. between the dates listed. Actually I believe it is made of mahogany. Yep, got it to run and its keeps great time. The chimes even work. And yes, the face is hand painted.

 

[Red-Coat]

It was made in Mass. between the dates listed. Actually I believe it is made of mahogany. Yep, got it to run and its keeps great time. The chimes even work. And yes, the face is hand painted.

??

The Whittaker brothers were clockmakers in Lancashire, England.

Do you mean the case was made in Massachusetts for an English movement?

Could we please see the marks, labels or whatever which have led to your conclusions?

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

A great looking Clock !

 

[Steven Gugas]

??

The Whittaker brothers were clockmakers in Lancashire, England.

Do you mean the case was made in Massachusetts for an English movement?

Could we please see the marks, labels or whatever which have led to your conclusions?

Sorry! Don't know why I had Mass. on my mind. I had read the article by Brian Loomes. Thanks for the suggestion. I will email him later. As to the marks there is only one. The name Whittaker on on the brass clock mechanism. No town is mentioned which is mentioned in the above article by Brian. The weights are extremely primitive looking. I did track downs the previous owners who live on a nearby farm. The clock had been in their family since at least 1900. If Brian responds I'll post that later. Anyway not a bad thrift store fine for $15!

 

[pepperj]

View attachment 2199869This is a Whittaker grandfather clock. The brothers James and Samuel made them between 1690 and 1746. Only 8 are known to exist. This is number 9!! The face is hand painted. Anyone know how to determine which brother made it. James made two known to exist and Sam made six. Any help appreciated

Contact a reputable auction house as they have appraisal capabilities that are accredited.
Not the local auction houses but names like Sotheby's, Christies, Bonhams
Your clock will be of interest to them once the authentication process is complete.

 

[Steven Gugas]

Contact a reputable auction house as they have appraisal capabilities that are accredited.
Not the local auction houses but names like Sotheby's, Christies, Bonhams
Your clock will be of interest to them once the authentication process is complete.

Well, Brian charges $130 to check out the clock. Since I plan on keeping it I don't want to spend that much money. However, here are some additional photos of it. Unfortunately, because of the location of it that is the best shot I could get of the name, but it does say Whittaker.

 

[pepperj]

Well, Brian charges $130 to check out the clock. Since I plan on keeping it I don't want to spend that much money. However, here are some additional photos of it. Unfortunately, because of the location of it that is the best shot I could get of the name, but it does say Whittaker.

$130 isn't really a huge amount considering the following.
Having it insured for the appraised amount.

Granted that the family paid $15 in 1900 just 125 yrs ago.(worth $557 in purchasing power today)

You stated that there's 8 known clocks in the world today, this is #9.
That's great news and I would believe that it enhances the value.
Now incase of a house flood, fire clock is destroyed.
There's 2 ways of looking at this loss.

You lost nothing really in value as the $15 was spent 125 yrs ago.

You lost $4-5-6 digits of value and its a big 😢 😭.
(Later determined value)

Reality is your home insurance probably has a limit on collectibles/antiques. Usually $2,000 depending on company.

It would benefit you to receive a payout on the appraised value.

There is a saying that many of us are guilty of." Pennywise pound foolish "

Awesome piece of history that you have.

 

[Digger RJ]

View attachment 2199869This is a Whittaker grandfather clock. The brothers James and Samuel made them between 1690 and 1746. Only 8 are known to exist. This is number 9!! The face is hand painted. Anyone know how to determine which brother made it. James made two known to exist and Sam made six. Any help appreciated

Very Cool!!! Congrats!!!