Antique Clocks

Antique Clocks
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Mauldin]Margaret Mauldin

Antique collecting is the assembling of items of aesthetic, historical or monetary values from earlier eras.

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.
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.  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, it 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.
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.  The value of the clock can often be determined using the above guides along with a clockmaker guide.  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 can help indicate when the clock was made.     For more visit http://www.onestopclock.com

Wikipedia  online http://www.onestopclock.com

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Tags: antiquecarriage clocks, antique carriage clocks for sale

Antique Carriage Clocks – Has Its Own Passage Of TIme

Antique Clocks – The Steady Passage of Time
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bill_Kernodle]Bill Kernodle

Yes, you can have a very nice digital clock by your bedside that will play the radio when you wake up, the digital numbers glow with your favorite colors and it will even play music for you with a timer until you are asleep. That is fine, but there is absolutely nothing like the gentle sound of a chime or bell coming from the living room telling you not only what the time is, but in a soft, musical and soothing way. This is the antique clock.

It was not so many years ago that digital clocks did not exist. The “grandfather “or “long case” clock was more the norm than was  the bedside alarm clock. Now of course this grandfather clock has become an antique clock, fit to be enjoyed and treasured for lifetimes.

An antique clock is unusual in the world of antiques in that it is a working piece of art, or should be in order to get the most enjoyment and value. I would definitely think twice about attempting to buy a clock that is not working and expect that it will be easy to get it up and running. It may be neither easy or indeed possible. Often it takes a skilled clock maker to repair a clock and it is usually not cheap.That being said, perhaps you may get a better deal on a non-working clock if you know someone to repair it or can do it yourself.

The antique clock is primarily a timepiece after all. I have had the pleasure to have owned some and been in homes that had them and I can personally attest to the soothing feeling mentioned previously that comes from the hour on the hour ( or even half hour) chime or bell in the middle of the night. To me it is somewhat like a fog horn, lonesome and soothing at the same time.

In earlier times the grandfather clock was ever present and homes had very high ceilings. If this is one you are considering, make sure you know the dimensions of both the entrance to your home as well as the actual ceiling height. It would be a shame to purchase an antique clock and not be able to stand it upright!

Secondarily the antique clock is furniture. It graces your home in a particular way with its mahogany case and brass clock face.The longcase or grandfather clock was originally evolved from a pendulum clock that hung on the wall, the case being added to enclose the pendulum. Since this time the grandfather clock has become an art form in itself and very desirable to collectors. As you know with any furniture, in addition to the clock mechanism, there are many factors which determine its value and desirability; specifically age, quality and condition. It may surprise you to know that superior clocks of this type from the late 17th or early 18th century may be valued at $500,000.00.

Pendulum clocks are wound with a key to keep the tension on the movement and enable it to keep time. There are two types of movements, 8 day and 30 hour. This means that this is the interval at which they must be wound in order not to lose time or run down completely. The 8 day clocks have a weight which drives the pendulum and one which drives the bell or chime. These clocks have keyholes on either side of the dial to wind each one. Some clocks also came with the added feature of having a moon dial or a tidal dial for  local tidal times.

Most clocks have not survived the ravages of time with out repair or in some case deliberate alteration in order to make it appear more desirable. Adding an 8 day movement where there was none originally or replacing or adding ornaments where the original is broken off or never existed. Detecting this sort of alteration is best left to the expert. If you feel there is something odd about the clock you are considering, you may save yourself a considerable amount of time and money to consult a professional to evaluate your antique clock.

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Tags: antiquecarriage clocks, antique carriage clocks for sale

A Antique Carriage Clocks Buyers Guide

A Guide to Buying Collectible Antique Clocks Online
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_Grant]John Grant

Many people love collecting antiques. This is a passion that many people know too well. This is the same passion that people collecting antique clocks share as well. They would go out of their way just to find the best items. With the advent of the Internet, many of these people have discovered the convenience of buying collectible antique clocks online.

Most of the antique clocks made from the 15th century to the mid 17th century can be found in museums. Only a small number of these clocks are privately owned. Fortunately, with the Internet, many people have now better chances of gaining access to these clocks online.

There are more clocks made from the 1800s to the 1900s. These clocks were made in mass quantities so you will find them easily online.
Buying collectible antique clocks online differ from buying them in the conventional manner. You will find clocks that are worth well over $60,000. You will find models that are priced over $100,000. It is wise to get hold of a clock appraisal before you actually purchase a certain item.

Collecting and buying collectible antique clocks online is not that easy. If you are new to antique clock collection, you will be surprised to know that there are a lot of things that you need to do or to research before making a purchase. This is especially true these days because there is a widespread proliferation of reproductions, knock offs and fakes. If you are not an experienced collector, you could end up confused or worse, scammed.

Before venturing into buying collectible antique clocks online, you need to term the terms used by antique sellers and enthusiasts. Knowing the language and antique collection jargons will help you make your decisions.

There are also several things that you need to take into consideration before you purchase any item online. First of all, you need to know the history of a particular piece. This is where buying collectible antique clocks online can be a bit challenging. Most of antique items come with an expensive price tag so you cannot afford to be careless when you are making your purchases. Do not buy antique clocks that are defective. Make sure that it is carefully preserved and well-taken care of to ensure that you are paying for good value.

It is very important, therefore, that you do your research before you buy any item. The Internet is a good reference. You will find valuable information about antique pieces. You will also know the history of certain items. The need for research before buying collectible antique clocks online has always been emphasized by experienced collectors.

Of course, you also have to make sure that your online seller is trustworthy and reputable. You cannot be careless with your money. Do a background check of the online seller before you purchase anything. There are online auctions that you can check and join. You will often find great items from these online auction houses.

With the advent of the Internet, buying antique items has never been easier. As long as you are careful with your purchase, there is no reason why you should not consider buying collectible antique clocks online.

Find out more about [http://www.Clock-collectibles.com]Antique clocks and browse through our shop at [http://www.Clock-collectibles.com]Clock Collectibles where you will find many good deals on all sorts of clocks for the serious collector.

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Tags: antiquecarriage clocks, antique carriage clocks buyers guide,

Miniature Art Nouveau British Sterling Carriage Clock

I have just read a new blog post on the Antique Carriage Clocks Blog about the Miniature Art Nouveau British Sterling Carriage Clock.

The clock is over 100 years old, beautiful to say the least and really a desirable object in any collectors eyes.

This particular antique carriage clock is certainly one to watch as from what we gather are quite hard to find a good solid working one!

Enjoy the clock its beautiful

Antique Carriage Clocks Enthusiasts Newsletter

Certainly one thing that every antique carriage clocks collectors should do is sign up the ONLY newsletter online from the antique carriage clocks blog.

Discover great clocks online, the estimated values and there locations. The Antique Carriage Clock Newsletter keeps you updated on whats available on the market, from ebay listings from only respected sellers, offering quality and only antique products to local and independent shops.

Also get  simple free advice on caring for your carriage clock and fixing any glitches that may occur.

Every budding enthusiast knows that  finding an antique carriage clock at a competitive price and in decent quality can be a time consuming chore and can come with these common questions

What are the prices of antique carriage clocks?
Where can I buy antique carriage clocks?
Am I buying from a credible source?
How much is this clock actually worth?

Save time and be updated when they find out!

Sign up at the antique carriage clocks blog.

Tags: antiquecarriage clocks, antique carriage clocks for sale,

Antique Carriage Clocks

Antique carriage clocks are  a small, spring-driven beautiful work of art developed in the early 19th century in Austria designed for people to use whilst away from home.

Antique Carriage Clock

What really could be argued as one of the most gentle and impressive forms of clock the antique carriage clock is simply the chosen solution when looking for any carriage clock at all.

So what is the difference between normal carriage clocks and antique carriage clocks? well to be considered an antique  the carriage clock needs to be at least 100 years old. There are many popular styles of clocks. Certainly one of the most popular styles are antique french carriage clocks and swiss carriage clocks a close second.

There are many reasons why people choose to have such an accessory in their homes. The gentle ticking, the relaxing chimes and beautiful ornate decorations are what separates a real antique carriage clock over more modern designs.