What’s It Worth?

Q:I inherited my grandfather clock, presumably made in Germany in the 1850s. It has no marks. It was bought in Pennsylvania in the 1970s and is in good condition. What is it worth?-- D.E.

Answer: This oak and mahogany tall case clock was made in England between 1790 and 1820. I cannot give you information about the maker because it is not marked. Most English clocks are signed by the makers.

The case appears to have some damage that needs attention. The movement probably is made of brass and functions; however, it may need cleaning and adjustment. The clock would retail for $2,500 to $3,000.

Q:I was born in England and inherited a sampler from my grandmother dated 1826, signed "Susanna Bushnell Eastry April 1826." Eastry is located in Kent, near Canterbury [U.K.]. What can you tell me about it? -- J.R.

Answer: Samplers are needlework produced by young women as a test of their ability to become useful homemakers; 18thand early 19th-century works, often very detailed, usually include the alphabet and decoration.

Most experts agree that the earliest sampler still in existence was made in England in 1598, now in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The height of popularity was between 1750 and 1850.

This sampler is interesting because of the detail and the fact that there may be a connection between the maker and the town of Eastry, Kent. It would retail for about $250, but a provenance may increase value.

Have a question about an antique or collectible? Send e-mail to with a digital image, or send a complete description with a clear photograph to Jay Moore, Flair Department, Richmond Times-Dispatch, P.O. Box 85333, Richmond, VA 23293. Photographs will not be returned. The large volume of mail may mean a delay in publishing answers.