Antique Clocks as Family Heirlooms

Of the many categories of chattel that makes it to the lofty heights of family heirlooms, antique clocks are typically found very high on the list. As these formerly priceless timepieces have marked the passing of time however, their perceived value has diminished as well.

In an age where we can run out to Wal-Mart and pickup an atomic clock that will automatically set itself, including adjustments for daylight savings time, we find fewer and fewer people interested in having a clock they have to wind every week. And as my daughter has said, "do we have to listen to the tick tock all night long?"

There is something uniquely gratifying however about having my antique clock sitting on top of the piano in our living room, tick tocking away the hours and striking the half-hour and hour in perfect rhythm with my atomic radio controlled clock. All the while knowing that my antique mantle clock is 126 years old and has been in my family for generations. I can wind the same clock that many of my ancestors have wound...and that IS valuable...at least to me.