Essentials For Collecting Antique Clocks

Collecting Antiques is a passion many know too well, many of these antique collections are surprisingly valuable and extremely interesting and valuable.

The majority of clocks that were 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.

Those antique clocks that were made during the 1800's through the early 1900's are more in number since the periods mentioned were the time when clocks and watches were produced in mass quantities.

Antique clocks from the mid 1600s still exist. Some of these are worth well over $70,000. Some extremely rare models are worth over $100,000. A wise consumer, before spending this type of money, would have any prospective clock appraised before purchase.

Everyone thinking of investing in antique items will be surprised at all the things that they first need to know, before you go out and buy antique items. This is because, as with any other purchase, there are a number of things that you need to research so that you can avoid making a mistake in your purchases. Today this has become very true for antiques because of the proliferation of antique reproductions, which can make finding authentic antique items very confusing. One example that you should know with regard to antique items is the language that antique sellers and antique enthusiast use to describe items. This is because knowing the language they speak can greatly help you with your decisions.

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 nor maybe even impossible. 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.

These timeless treasures are available at flea markets, estate sales, local auctions, and through newspaper ads. Antique clocks can also sometimes be found at online auction sites. To be certain of a clock's authenticity, you should only buy from a trusted and reputable seller. Read any listing carefully to ensure that the product you are buying is truly an antique. In addition to online auctions, established auction houses hold auctions for antique grandfather clocks, although these may happen only twice a year.

What you need to know before buying antique clocks online, in order to prevent making the most common mistakes that many do.

Everyone interested in antique clocks are welcome to visit Antique Clock Store, where you will find a large number of cheap antique clocks, and Antique Grandfather Clocks.

How to Recognize Fake Antiques

Fakes have been around almost as long as real antiques. If a guy can make a buck on something, he's often led into trying to make more by fudging a bit. Where does that leave the rest of us? We need to be pretty sharp when finding our old antiques.

How can we tell if what we find is a fake? There are some guidelines for wary pickers. First and foremost, spend time with the genuine article. The more you see of the real stuff, the less likely you are to be fooled.

Depression Glass was cheaply made and mass produced and you can usually see mold lines on the real pieces. Often you will see "straw marks" where the molds were wearing out. Newer glass will have none of the above. Watch out for pieces that appear slick, or thicker or more grainy than what you would expect.

Bronze fakes are often made of cast iron with a bronze plate. Magnets will easily stick to these items. If it sticks, it's not bronze!

Roseville Pottery is frequently reproduced. Watch the "s" in Roseville. It should have a slant to it. Look, too, at the quality of the glazing. It should not look shoddy or garish.

Furniture--look at the way the piece is made. Is the joinery consistent with its purported age and place of origin? What about tool marks, and hardware? Does the wood have the expected patina? Is there wear where there shouldn't be and none where you would expect it?

Fakers these days are really good at their craft, but they often use cheaper materials or put parts of several pieces together to make a whole, new piece. When I am in a house, I also look at the dust on the pieces. Are they as covered as the rest of the house? I also ask the seller when they got the item and try to find out as much history about the piece as I can. A final thought: some fakes were made a hundred years ago or more. That makes them an antique in their own right! So be careful!

Roger has been an antiques picker and dealer for over 10 years. During some of that time he was an auctioneer, too. Now semi-retired, he lives with his wife in the Caribbean.

There are a lot more tips and tricks for antique pickers at http://americanpicker.net

You can learn more about the antiques business at: http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/15269.htm

The art of clockmaking was greatly refined and mastered during the Golden Age of American Clockmaking (1800-1890). During this time, American clockm

Whenever you mention German clocks to Americans, the first thing they think of are the cuckoo clocks. But there are others aside from the notorious cuckoo clock.

The country has a fine history of clock making that dates back to mechanical clocks. Germany has long participated in this industry for as long as her people can remember.

If you look at your antique German clocks history, you will note that the spring driven clocks were developed in the fifteenth century.

At the beginning of the sixteenth century, Peter Henlein invented the watch. This event was the beginning of the prominence of the cities in Germany that had the first watches and clocks.

The first ever spring-driven table clocks are the antique German clocks that we know of today. They are either square boxes or drum shaped. Nonetheless, these clocks are a very important part of German history, specifically antique German clocks history.

These clock cases feature a cast scene of animals. The dial of these animals are only a single hand which indicates the Roman numerals of 1 to 12.

An enthusiast of antique German clocks know that Ausberg became the central for manufacturing these time pieces, especially the elaborate brass cased German clocks that we love at the moment.

These are usually seen in cathedrals. These have elaborate designs and they usually have illustrations of the zodiac, the sun and the moon. To this date, the models of this particular clock continue to sell well.

Ausberg was also known to be the center of production for the automated and early novelty clocks because of the development of proper calculation and advanced gearing of the ratios that are needed for the clocks to function.

Take for example, the favorite form of automation that is still popular now. This is the animal statue like the dog, elephant, and lion, with the blinking eyes. These particular antique German clocks are still being collected by the people who invest in clocks.

If they see one being sold, they buy these, restore these, and re-sell. Sometimes, they keep these to themselves in order to add to their collection.

Finally, another popular version are those that contain the design of the horses. These are found in royalty castles and also for the wealthy aristocrats.

This only proves the impact of these kinds of clocks to modern lifestyle. Despite the ancient designs, these clocks are very contemporary.

Discover where to buy cheap antique german clocks online. Learn how to buy cheap antique clocks for sale at my site. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ricky_Lim

Antique Clocks' History - The Golden Age of American Clockmaking

The art of clockmaking was greatly refined and mastered during the Golden Age of American Clockmaking (1800-1890). During this time, American clockmakers found a way to reduce the cost of tall clocks by using wooden movement rather than brass.

The Golden Age of American Clockmaking was characterized by the introduction of innovative and ingenious designs. Clocks made in the golden age era showcased exceptional designs and functional features. In 1830, a skilled American clockmaker named Eli Terry began mass-producing antique mantle clock models, which he effectively marketed on the global market.

The golden age era continued thriving until the early 1900's, which created a great impact on the clock industry. Thanks to the Golden Age American Clockmaking era, acquiring rare, extraordinary and magnificent American antique clocks was made possible today.

Some of the popular and notable American clockmakers and manufacturers that you should take note of include the following:

• William Gilbert - He is a well-known maker of American antique clocks who started producing attractive and appealing models in 1828. He founded the Gilbert Manufacturing Clock which became notable for producing good-quality clocks within the time frame of its short-lived operation.
• Ansonia Clock Company - Ansonia was founded in 1851. It specializes in the production of stylish collectible antique clocks, including the antique grandfather and antique wall models. Ansonia was able to produce a total of 225 collectible clocks in 1886.
• Elias Ingraham - He is highly acclaimed for his imaginative and creative designs. The steeple clocks were one of Ingraham's most remarkable timepiece designs. In fact, these exquisite clocks became in vogue during the 19th century. Many clockmakers tried to replicate his designs but unfortunately they failed. Ingraham's Figurine 8-designs were highly valued because of their graceful appearance that never failed to catch attention.

Browse through different auction sites and antique shops to find valuable old clocks that were produced by any of these outstanding American clockmakers.

Adam Min is an expert blogger and an antique clock enthusiast. He shares his thoughts about this two topics at "Antique Clocks Guide", a resourceful site about antique clocks.