Tidbits of Clock Antiques
Author: Margaret Mauldin

Antique collecting is the assembling of items of aesthetic,
historical or monetary values from earlier eras. Clocks are
highly desirable collectibles when antique.  How old does
an antique have to be to be considered an antique?

Legally and traditionally, an antique is usually defined as
an object over 100 years old.  In the history of clocks and
time-keeping, one of the earliest clocks was driven by
water.   Most early mechanical clocks were driven by the
fall of weights.  The first mechanical clocks only
indicated time by sounding a bell each hour.

During the 20th century, clocks as well as many other
objects became desirable collector items of the past.  With
the growth of interest in antique clocks, an expertise in
historical styles, construction styles and methods for the
care and identification of clocks, as well as other objects
has developed.  Grandfather clocks are among the most
appealing of all clocks.  Most were made in England between
the late 17th and 19th centuries, although lesser numbers
were also produced in Europe and America.   Although some
exceptions exist, the two basic types of grandfather clocks
are 8 day and 30 hour clocks.  In collecting antique
grandfather clocks, the 8 day is the more elaborate of the
two types.  Have clocks become family heirlooms?

Emotional factors, such as belonging to a family member or
if the clock can be proven to have belonged to a celebrity
or someone of historical importance may make the clock more
desirable.  Clocks hold their intrinsic value as it is
passed along by family members.  Touch the smooth fine wood
of the clock, listen to the melodious chimes or sounds it
makes. The décor of a home is complete when adorned
with a fine gift of time, a clock.   Clocks are sold in all
budgets from modest pieces with little decoration to clocks
with moving parts and works of art that can occupy an
entire wall or table.

Why do they last so long?

With proper care and maintenance, a clock can keep perfect
time for many years.  A clock should only be oiled by a
professional clock  maker to keep from damaging the clock.

How well do antique clocks hold their value?

A clockmaker guide can help identify the maker of a clock.
The signature on the clock can help indicate when the clock
was made.  The physical appearance of a mantle clock,
grandfather clock, cuckoo clock, or wall clock, is an
important factor in estimating the value of a clock.
Clocks that have the original elements, which have never
been restored and are clean clocks, have a greater value
than those in poor condition or have been altered.  A clock
with the makers label or signature intact, and a clock with
its original glass and decorative elements can all increase
the value of a clock.  To determine when a clock was made
might prove to be a difficult task.  Some have a signature
located on the movement of the clock dial.  Relying on the
signature however may be deceiving.  Sometimes the
signature is the name of the distributor rather than the
clockmaker.  Sometimes signatures are added to give an
appearance of age and value.  A clockmaker guide can help
identify the maker of a clock.  The signature on the clock
may help identify when the clock was made.  All of the
above can help in determining the value of a clock.

Reference: Wikipedia


About the Author:

Margaret Mauldin has a web site for  clocks at
http://www.onestopclock.com where you can find  quality,
affordable grandfather, mantel, wall, and cuckoo clocks.
Come by for a visit and check out the free website box at
the bottom of the home page.