Tips In Caring For Antique Clocks

It's only natural that a collector should want to keep his or her investment remaining valuable. But to do so, there are fine guidelines in each situation. For the antique clock industry, there are particular techniques and guidelines that should be followed to help keep the common antique clock free from aging, and good for auction value. First, it should be noted that every type of clock has specific needs when concerning care. Common classifications of clocks include the grandfather clock, mantle clocks, pendulum clocks, and mechanical type clocks.

It's important that regardless of the type of clock, most run off gears and pulleys that require winding every so often so as to keep the clock on time and in pristine condition. The biggest threat to one's antique clock isn't from cleaning it, and most of the time not even theft.

Simply moving a clock from one point to another can be disastrous, since antique clocks are delicate and can decline in value from a simple scratch. In that case it's important to remove every bit of jewelry, belt buckle, and any other type of hard surfaces from one's body before attempting to move big clocks such as the grandfather clock. As far as cleaning a clock goes, one should always wear proper gloves and use fine tissues or cloth when dusting the clock in question.

This will ensure that any metal pieces will not become corroded from exposure to sweat or grime found on one's hands. Certain types of cloths may scratch some types of surfaces, so it's usually best to use fine stitched cloths that are approved for particular situations. Humidity can be a large concern when taking care of a clock.

Metal antique clocks will need low humidity environments so as to keep from corroding, or at least to slow the process. Wood antique clocks, on the other hand, will require high humidity environments so as to keep wood from drying out too easily (although this can also be remedied by using special coatings and finishes). Lastly, it is always important for anyone with a valuable antique clock to consult their insurance agency for terms on insuring the clock.

There is nothing worse than keeping a clock for the sake of memories and beauty, only to have it break or get stolen. At least with an insurance policy, antique clock owners can get a large lump sum of money in return for their misfortune.

 Closing Comments

 In the end, an antique clock is something that requires a lot of care. If one should ever inherit an antique clock without knowing how to care for it, a curator should be consulted immediately. There are many different rules when using cleaning solutions, moving antique clocks, and even in finding insurance. Following the previously mentioned tips will help an antique clock owner in extending the life of their investment, but only they can provide the ultimate care that is needed.

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Finding Antique Clocks And Watches

Germany Staiger Alarm Clock... Elgin National Pocket Watch... Seth Thomas Mantle Clock... What do the above have in common? Well, besides being timekeepers, all of them are examples of old, vintage, and antique clocks and watches. Antique clocks and watches were made using different materials, designs, styles, and sizes long, long ago.

The ability to accurately identify and research on this antique clocks and watches are important then because of the diversity, as well as the number, of clock and watchmakers and manufacturers around the world. If we are going to trace the history of clocks and watches, we would be back to the late 14th century when the first clock was made. In the early years, as well as many centuries over, mechanical clocks and watches were so uncommon and made by few that only rulers and noblemen had such.

The common people, especially those in Europe, have to rely on the few public clocks that are existent. The majority of clocks and watches made from the 15th to the middle of the 17th century are now mostly in museums and a small percentage in different individuals' private collection. Most people will never set eyes on these timekeepers nor will be able to recognize them.

 Many antique clock and watch collectors would agree that periods in history greatly influenced the materials and styles of clocks and watches, such that these timekeepers were not only used for time measurement, but as decoration as well. Also, they were made with such high quality that with proper care and maintenance, they are apt to last several centuries.

 There are several things that you may take into consideration if you are a collector or just a one time buyer of an antique clock or watch - besides the fact that it should be interesting, beautiful, befitting your needs or you want it to be a part of your life and home for many years. Any changes made on them will diminish the value of the antique clock or watch. Rarity. Common sense dictates that the rarity of anything brings value. To determine rarity, research is required, which may be costly and time consuming.

When done, however, it may result into identification of clocks and watches that have excellent value. Provenance. Determining the origin of the timepiece, like rarity, can affect the value of the clock or watch greatly. This also is done through research and documentation.

 The values of clocks and watches range from a few to several thousand dollars, though there are those that amount to a million or so. Determining a timepiece's value, however, can only be done if the four areas mentioned above are well looked into or researched. You must search, therefore, for an authority that is honest and with integrity to help you before making a purchase.

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The Antique Longcase Clock - An English Classic

The longcase clock is the classic English clock, and is generally considered the finest achievement of English clock-making. Longcases are prized by collectors for the high quality of their cases and movements, and enjoy a wide popularity today.

There are large numbers in circulation, as they were possibly the most widely produced type of English clock. They were also produced in the United States - where they are known as tallcases - and on the Continent of Europe, but generally in lesser quantities than in England.

The earliest English longcase clocks were produced by London makers. By 1700, longcases were being made by provincial clockmakers in centers such as Bristol and Oxford. By the early 18th century, clockmaking had become established throughout Great Britain, and even small villages could boast of having their own maker.

The long wooden case was an attractive but also practical solution to the problem of providing a stable, dust-frec environment for the pendulum and the weights hanging below the clock movement. The basic frame, or carcass, is almost invariably oak.

The earliest cases were veneered with ebony or ebonized wood. Later cases feature marquetry, walnut or mahogany veneers, lacquerwork and solid oak. As larger and more elaborate cases were produced, makers often made use of decorative touches such as top finials, pierced frets and brass stringing or mounts.

Movements

The longcase movement consists of an anchor escapement with a long, seconds-beating pendulum. The anchor escapement was considerably more accurate than its predecessor, the verge escapement, used in some very early longcases. The longcase mechanism gradually incorporated complex mechanical refinements such as moon dials or astronomical or musical work. All examples are weight-driven, with the weights descending inside the case.

Longcase clocks generally run for eight days before needing to be wound. Dials were originally square in shape, but from c.1720 the arched dial became the most common style. The round dial came into fashion in the late 18th and early 19th century. The dial may be brass - either one-piece, or with an applied chapter ring - or else painted metal.

Experts consider the very early examples, especially those with ebony, walnut or marquetry cases, to be the most important English longcases. The superb workmanship and fine proportions of these clocks, particularly those by Thomas Tompion, Joseph and John Knibb and Edward East, make them the most highly sought-after - and expensive - antique longcase clocks.

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Antique Clock - A History of Time

An antique clock is a time teller of peoples experiences in the past, through its magnificent old-time work. It survived the trials of its own time to tell the stories of its past today. Just like any other arts and traditions, antique clocks gives us a glimpse of yesterday, towards a new journey to our future.

Antique clocks are highly-priced not only for its age and uniqueness, but because of the stories it carries from its history. Antique wall clocks were the first type of time pieces that were designed and made for home use. It is one of the more popular and largest categories of antiques. Antique collectors are also very fond of antique grandfather clocks. Grandfather clocks can best be characterized as very large pendulum clocks.

The time piece is enclosed in tall and narrow wooden cabinet that can also serve as storage space for documents. For a professional antique collector, playing it safe is a good motto when chasing after grandfather clocks. For they say, antiques do not lie, but the seller of those do. For advice, consult someone who is knowledgeable about these clocks.

Another type of clock that antique collectors love, is the antique mantle clock. Mantel clocks are usually placed on a shelf or on the mantel above a fireplace. Hence the name mantel clock. These devices are generally small and portable. It is a beautiful time-piece that was very popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. By itself it can add beauty and elegance to any home.

Investing in these centuries old time pieces, like the antique grandfather and mantle clock, is an investment of owning a potential heirloom that can be handed down through generations.

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