Grandfather clocks are among the most challenging antiques to move and ship. Their delicate internal mechanisms, glass panels, decorative features, and significant weight require specialized handling to prevent damage during transportation.
Whether you're relocating, shipping an heirloom to family, sending a clock to auction, or transporting a valuable antique across the country, proper packing and custom crating are essential. With more than 30 years of experience packing, crating, and shipping fragile and high-value items, Navis Pack & Ship helps customers safely transport grandfather clocks throughout the United States and internationally.
Why Grandfather Clocks Are Difficult to Ship
Grandfather clocks are not only heavy and oversized, but they also contain precision components that can be damaged if the clock is improperly handled. Pendulums, weights, chains, cables, glass panels, decorative moldings, and internal clock movements all require protection during transit.
Attempting to move a grandfather clock fully assembled can result in broken glass, damaged clock mechanisms, scratched finishes, or costly repairs. Professional packing and crating significantly reduces these risks.
Preparing a Grandfather Clock for Shipping
Proper preparation is the foundation of a successful shipment. Before packing begins, several important steps should be completed.
1. Remove Sensitive Components
The pendulum, weights, and other removable internal components should be carefully removed before transport. Many owners choose to work with a horologist or clock specialist to ensure these delicate parts are handled properly.
2. Secure Internal Mechanisms
Components such as chains, cables, and chime rods should be stabilized to prevent movement during transportation. This helps reduce the risk of impact damage inside the cabinet.
3. Protect Glass and Decorative Features
Glass panels, shelves, finials, and decorative trim should be removed when possible and individually wrapped with protective cushioning materials.
4. Secure Doors and Access Panels
All doors and access panels should be locked, secured, or taped shut to prevent them from opening during handling and transit.
Professional Packing and Crating for Grandfather Clocks
Because grandfather clocks vary significantly in age, size, design, and value, there is rarely a one-size-fits-all packing solution.
Professional packing typically includes:
- Multiple layers of protective cushioning materials
- Protection for glass panels and decorative surfaces
- Separate packing of pendulums and weights
- Custom blocking and bracing to minimize movement
- Heavy-duty corrugated packaging or custom wooden crates
For long-distance, freight, or international shipments, custom crating is often the safest solution. A properly designed crate helps protect the clock from vibration, impacts, and shifting during transportation.
When Should You Use a Custom Crate?
Custom crating is often recommended when shipping:
- Antique grandfather clocks
- High-value heirloom clocks
- Tall or oversized floor clocks
- Museum-quality timepieces
- Clocks traveling long distances
- International grandfather clock shipments
Custom crates are built specifically around the dimensions and fragility of the clock to provide maximum protection throughout the shipping process.
Why Choose Navis Pack & Ship?
Navis Pack & Ship specializes in packing, crating, and shipping fragile, oversized, and high-value items. Our team evaluates each grandfather clock individually and develops a customized packing and transportation solution based on its size, condition, value, and destination. Whether you're shipping a family heirloom across the country or an antique clock overseas, our experienced professionals can help ensure your clock arrives safely and securely.
Get a Grandfather Clock Shipping Quote
Shipping a grandfather clock requires experience, specialized packing techniques, and often custom crating. If you need to move or ship a grandfather clock, find your nearest Navis Pack & Ship location to receive a complimentary grandfather clock shipping quote and learn more about our professional packing, crating, and shipping services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Grandfather Clocks
Can a grandfather clock be shipped safely?
Yes. Grandfather clocks can be shipped safely when properly disassembled, professionally packed, and often custom crated. Specialized packing helps protect delicate clock mechanisms, glass panels, and decorative components during transit.
Should a grandfather clock be disassembled before shipping?
Yes. The pendulum, weights, and other removable components should typically be removed before transport to help prevent internal damage and shifting during transit.
Do grandfather clocks need custom crating?
Many grandfather clocks benefit from custom crating, especially antique, valuable, oversized, or long-distance shipments. A custom crate provides additional protection against impacts and vibration.
How much does it cost to ship a grandfather clock?
Shipping costs vary based on the clock's size, weight, value, destination, packing requirements, and whether custom crating is required. A professional shipping assessment can provide an accurate quote.
Can Navis Pack & Ship ship grandfather clocks internationally?
Yes. Navis Pack & Ship offers domestic and international shipping solutions for grandfather clocks and other valuable antiques.
