Buying Antique Clocks
If done well, buying antique clocks can be an extremely rewarding experience both aesthetically and also as a great investment as well. You can either buy clocks from a reputable dealer or you can buy at auction. You will pay more from a dealer but will usually get the assurance that the clock is genuine and in good working order, he will usually deliver and set up the clock and give a guarantee. If you buy from auction you will usually have to get the clock overhauled and set up by a dealer, don't forget that you will also have to pay a premium to the auction house so be sure you know their terms of business. If you're new to antique clock buying, here a few handy tips to bear in mind.
Obviously these clocks are more than just old antiques, they are working mechanisms with moving parts that need care and attention. Over the years most antique clocks will have been cleaned, maintained and repaired, so don't be too put off if the clock has been restored. If it has been done by a reputable restorer, they may even have left their name and date of working on the clock.
When buying a Longcase clock look out for replacement mechanisms that are not original to the case, so check that the mechanism and case are of of the same period and that the dial fits the hood door. Such marriages may not always be a disaster, if the clock looks good and suits your requirementsit it could still be a good buy. Check also that the proportions of the clock look right as sometimes the plinth may have been shortened to make the clock fit in a modern room. Again this is a shame but not necessarily the end of the world. Many longcase clocks will have the maker's name on the dial which helps to date the clock and adds value, specially if it is a local maker.
Bracket clocks The best Bracket clocks are by English makers and will have Fusee movements. They may be timepieces with one winding hole or striking clocks with two winding holes. The best will have the maker's name on the dial and/or on the brass backplate.There are a variety of case styles , normally wood, and some have beautiful decoration. Find out as much as you can about the clock but buy what appeals to you. There are many later Bracket clocks mostly continental, some are well made, usually with the maker's name on the backplate. Some of these will be chiming clocks with Westminster or similar chimes each quarter hour, these may be very reasonably priced at auction but often require expensive restoration in order to work well.
Mantel Clocks come in many shapes and sizes, many of the best are Frenck and may be of marble with gilt or ormolu decoration. Prices will always vary with age, maker and decoration. Again you should buy what is right for you. Many of the finest French clocks were made in the 19th century and these may be expensive, however many good French movements can be found in black 'marble' cases and can be purchased very reasonably. These are probably the best way of getting a good reliable movement at a reasonable price. Watch out for modern mantel clocks, they are often garish with poor movements and will not hold their value.
Carriage clocks vary between simple timepieces that can be found at auction for under £100 up to very decorative gilded clocks which strike the hours and half hours or even more complicated mechanisms striking and repeating the quarter hours. Once again the price will depend on age and maker if known. If you are buying at auction try to check that the clock is in going order and that the escapement is working. You can see the escapement through the top glass. The auction assistant who shows you the clock may be able to give you some advice on it's condition. Unlike some of the other styles of clock I have mentioned there are some well made modern carriage clocks that are made to the same standards as the older ones and may of course be in better condition.
To sum up the important thing is to buy a clock that is right for you. Buy from a respected dealer or if you buy from an auction house do check the condition, with more expensive clocks it is normally possibleto get a cndition report If you have any further queries about buying an antique clock, feel free to get in touch.
email: clockpatrick@talktalk.net
Obviously these clocks are more than just old antiques, they are working mechanisms with moving parts that need care and attention. Over the years most antique clocks will have been cleaned, maintained and repaired, so don't be too put off if the clock has been restored. If it has been done by a reputable restorer, they may even have left their name and date of working on the clock.
When buying a Longcase clock look out for replacement mechanisms that are not original to the case, so check that the mechanism and case are of of the same period and that the dial fits the hood door. Such marriages may not always be a disaster, if the clock looks good and suits your requirementsit it could still be a good buy. Check also that the proportions of the clock look right as sometimes the plinth may have been shortened to make the clock fit in a modern room. Again this is a shame but not necessarily the end of the world. Many longcase clocks will have the maker's name on the dial which helps to date the clock and adds value, specially if it is a local maker.
Bracket clocks The best Bracket clocks are by English makers and will have Fusee movements. They may be timepieces with one winding hole or striking clocks with two winding holes. The best will have the maker's name on the dial and/or on the brass backplate.There are a variety of case styles , normally wood, and some have beautiful decoration. Find out as much as you can about the clock but buy what appeals to you. There are many later Bracket clocks mostly continental, some are well made, usually with the maker's name on the backplate. Some of these will be chiming clocks with Westminster or similar chimes each quarter hour, these may be very reasonably priced at auction but often require expensive restoration in order to work well.
Mantel Clocks come in many shapes and sizes, many of the best are Frenck and may be of marble with gilt or ormolu decoration. Prices will always vary with age, maker and decoration. Again you should buy what is right for you. Many of the finest French clocks were made in the 19th century and these may be expensive, however many good French movements can be found in black 'marble' cases and can be purchased very reasonably. These are probably the best way of getting a good reliable movement at a reasonable price. Watch out for modern mantel clocks, they are often garish with poor movements and will not hold their value.
Carriage clocks vary between simple timepieces that can be found at auction for under £100 up to very decorative gilded clocks which strike the hours and half hours or even more complicated mechanisms striking and repeating the quarter hours. Once again the price will depend on age and maker if known. If you are buying at auction try to check that the clock is in going order and that the escapement is working. You can see the escapement through the top glass. The auction assistant who shows you the clock may be able to give you some advice on it's condition. Unlike some of the other styles of clock I have mentioned there are some well made modern carriage clocks that are made to the same standards as the older ones and may of course be in better condition.
To sum up the important thing is to buy a clock that is right for you. Buy from a respected dealer or if you buy from an auction house do check the condition, with more expensive clocks it is normally possibleto get a cndition report If you have any further queries about buying an antique clock, feel free to get in touch.
email: clockpatrick@talktalk.net
