Legally and traditionally, an antique is usually defined as an object over 100 years old. In the history of clocks and time-keeping, one of the earliest clocks was driven by water. Most early mechanical clocks were driven by the fall of weights. The first mechanical clocks only indicated time by sounding a bell each hour.
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. Grandfather clocks are among the most appealing of all clocks. Most were made in England between the late 17th and 19th centuries, although lesser numbers were also produced in Europe and America. Although some exceptions exist, the two basic types of grandfather clocks are 8 day and 30 hour clocks. The 8 day clock is the more elaborate of the two types of antique grandfather clocks. 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 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. Someone experienced with clocks such as a clockmaker should oil the clock to keep it from being damaged.
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. 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 may help identify when the clock was made. All of the above can help in determining the value of a clock.
Reference: Wikipedia
There are many types of antique clocks that can fetch tens of thousands of dollars in auction. But for the collector, all the money in the world couldn't replace a truly interesting piece of art that comes from a wondrously designed clock of the past. But to keep the clock from succumbing to the ages of time, there are a few tips in caring for such clocks.
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.
Oddly enough, even touching a metal surface of a clock with one's bare hands can cause thousands of dollars in damage in the course of a few years. Dirt, sweat, and grime from one's fingertips can corrode and rust metal materials over time, meaning curators should always use gloves when handling such surfaces. Likewise, one should use fine cloths instead of cleaning solvents when dusting.
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.
In Conclusion
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.
Both Margaret Mauldin & Chris Channing are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Margaret Mauldin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Education, Health and Pets. You can find quality, affordable grandfather, mantel, wall and cuckoo clocks at Ms. Mauldin's website. Visit