Antique clocks for sale have become a fascinating niche for collectors and enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship and artistry of bygone eras. Among the most sought-after pieces are French clocks, renowned for their intricate designs and exquisite detailing. These antique French clocks often embody the elegance of the Louis XV or Louis XVI periods, making them timepieces and stunning decorative objects that enhance any interior.
American antique clocks also hold their charm, showcasing a rich history of innovation and style. From the iconic wooden tall case clocks to charming mantel clocks that grace living rooms with their presence, each piece tells a story of its time. Mantel clocks have remained popular due to their versatility; they can serve as functional timekeepers while adding character to mantels or shelves. When you buy antique clocks for sale, buy what you love.
As we explore the world of antique clocks for sale, we must appreciate their aesthetic value and historical significance. Whether you’re an avid collector or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, investing in an antique clock can be a rewarding experience and a meaningful connection to history.
ANTIQUE CLOCKS FOR SALE: THINGS TO CONSIDER
When considering a purchase OF antique clocks for sale, especially in art or antiques, there are several thoughtful guidelines to keep in mind that can enhance enjoyment and value. Firstly, buying what is aesthetically pleasing is essential; beauty often resonates deeply with the individual and can bring joy and inspiration into daily life.
Secondly, opting for items that do not require restoration is wise, as this saves time and potential costs and ensures that the piece’s integrity remains intact. Lastly, investing in recognizable, influential makers can significantly increase an item’s intrinsic value and possible appreciation over time. By prioritizing these criteria—beauty, condition, and provenance—buyers can cultivate a collection that enriches their environment and is a meaningful investment. Ultimately, these principles guide collectors toward making informed choices that resonate emotionally and financially.
Only you know your taste in beauty, as it is very subjective. I am sure you have heard the same many times, with phrases such as “beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you are an auction buyer, or even if not, buying a clock that is intact but not running is not a problem. If the antique clocks for sale you are viewing feature any mantel clocks that need a service to run, you can figure a cost of approximately $400.00 for repairing a French clock and sometimes slightly less for an American antique clock.
Working on the case of a French clock or an American antique clock cannot just be pricey. Still, if you cannot find an artisan who can match the original when repairing it, you will have a problem later than trying to sell a “nonoriginal clock,” antique clocks for sale, restored improperly, will have a much lower price.
ANTIQUE CLOCKS FOR SALE: SETTING UP YOUR MANTEL CLOCK
One of the typical things you will be expected to deal with is the setup. Since any clock you buy at antique clocks for sale will have a pendulum, these mantel clocks require a setup. The first thing that you will need to do after unpacking your French clock or American antique clock is to remove the bell and hook on the pendulum. Place your clock on an even surface using a bubble level.
If you are lucky, the bubble will be dead center. If not, repair the surface, find another place for your mantel clock, or adjust accordingly. Note: Even on a flat surface, travel is never kind to mantel clocks. The case itself may be uneven, or you may have even purchased a French clock that runs but was originally “out of beat.”
Once the pendulum is attached to your mantel clock, gently push it from side to side. Then listen for the tick/tock. If it sounds even, you probably have a running clock. If the tick does not match the tock on your find at antique clocks for sale, slightly lift either end to listen for improvement. How high you must lift to hear the “perfect” tick/tock on your mantel clock depends on how out of beat the clock is.
Once you discover the side that corrects the ticking of your French clock or antique American clock, you will have two choices. 1- Either put a coin or shim under both feet on the side you had to lift and add enough of a shim to create the even tick/tock or 2- While holding the verge (the part the pendulum rod sits in that has a fork at the bottom, with a needle nose plyer, gently bend the verge in the direction that you had to lift higher and do so in small increments until you hit the spot where the tick/tock of your find at antique clocks for sale sound even.
More information can be found here on our Care page or The National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors.
