Once a standard addition to any home, grandfather clocks have become rare antique pieces that are cherished and passed down from generation to generation. In addition to having sentimental value and telling the history of a family, these delicate items can also be quite expensive, so it is not uncommon for art connoisseurs to purchase them as an investment today. However, owning a vintage clock comes with some hurdles, especially when it comes to care and shipping. In this blog post, we share everything you need to know about how to ship a grandfather clock like a pro.

Packing and Shipping on Your Own

If you want to handle the shipping process without hiring professionals, there are several crucial steps you need to take to avoid damage.

• Use protective gloves. The natural oil produced by your skin can tarnish the delicate surface of the clock and leave unsightly stains. Gloves are also a must when you disassemble the piece, as the clock’s insides can be dirty.
• Disassemble if possible before packing. It is best to ship a grandfather clock in pieces so that each delicate part can be properly packed using the right materials. For example, the glass panel should be removed and packed separately, just as you would pack a mirror or a glass vase.
• Separate removable parts. It is also of vital importance to protect cables and chains (if there are any) and stop and remove the pendulum.
• Use quality packing materials. Each of the pieces must be wrapped in quality packing materials. These may include white paper, moving blankets, soft foam, or any other suitable materials that would not leave stains (e.g., avoid old newspapers that can transfer paint). Add bubble wrap as an additional layer of protection when needed.
• Use as much padding as possible in the box so that the clock will be held securely and will not shift and move during transportation. Don’t forget about the labeling.
• Use a packing crate for long-distance and international shipping.

Is It Safe to Ship a Grandfather Clock with a Shipping Company?

While you may think that handling the shipping on your own gives you total control of the situation, in some cases, professional help is the wisest approach. Consider hiring professional fine art movers if your clock is:

• very old and delicate;
• unusual or large-size;
• expensive or rare.

Besides, specialized shipping companies offer some extra services worth considering when shipping old clocks, which include packing, insurance, and storage, to name a few.