You may want to buy an antique wall clock that is in keeping with the style of room in which you are going to display it. Antique French clocks look stunning in a Provence style kitchen, for example. However, a mix of old and new also works well and many varieties of antique wall clock will add a touch of timelessness to a modern room. Size is also important. Antique grandfather clocks are impressive but take up a lot of space and can easily overpower a small room.

It is also worth spending time thinking about details of a clock. Which type of wood do you prefer? Wooden antique clocks are commonly made of cherry, walnut or oak and each of these has its own particular characteristics. Also, decide how simple or ornate you would like your clock to be, and what impact you want the clock to have in the overall decorative scheme of the room. Big wall clocks can certainly add the wow factor, but maybe you prefer a more elegant, understated look.

Whatever style of antique wall clock you prefer, there are a few common practical considerations you need to take into account. Remember that these clocks are almost always heavier and bigger than modern clocks and so need to be securely attached to the wall. They need careful cleaning with gentle products, and because they are delicate, should be positioned out of the sun and in a safe place, well away from general household traffic.

It is always worth taking advantage of professional advice before you choose an antique wall clock. Your clock can be a wise, long term investment as well as a thing of beauty if chosen carefully. A good dealer will be able to provide information on the maker and time and place of manufacture all of which affect the value of a clock and will also be able to tell what repairs have been carried out, or if any special maintenance is needed.

How do you decide which antique wall clock is right for you? Consider the points above and take your time. The search may take a while, but it will be worth it because you will have a solid investment as well as a thing of beauty which can be passed down from generation to generation.

Choosing An Antique Wall Clock is from Antique Wall Clock Guide

When looking at any antique wall clock, check for a brand name or specific model name, and see if you can find a date of manufacture or production. This information may be in accompanying documentation, or on the clock itself. Clocks with genuine paperwork are often worth more than those without. As you are inspecting the clock, check for signs of repair or poor workmanship.

The importance of whether any antique clock still works or not will be a personal preference, and although working clocks may fetch a higher price, don’t be afraid to choose an antique wall clock that doesn’t work. More importantly try discover as much as you can about it’s history. Find out who owned it previously and where it was kept.

Vintage wall clocks tend to come with either weight or spring driven mechanisms. The weight driven clocks usually last 1 to 2 days, whilst the spring driven and pendulum wall clocks will often last about a week. Often you will be lucky enough to find a beautiful antique key to go with the clock.

Before you go clock hunting, you may want to browse a few magazines or websites that deal with antique clocks. It’s an easy way to familiarize yourself with the different types of clock, the manufacturers, brand names and models. The makers name or brand is usually somewhere prominent such as the face of the clock, but often you’ll find the information engraved on a backplate. On less valuable models, it may be on a paper label glued to the back or inside of the clock.

If you find something you like and you decide to buy an antique wall clock, always take the time to have it properly appraised first. This will put a value on the clock, which will probably be required anyway when you come to insure it. Check with the seller whether they offer any warranty on the clock or it’s movement and if there is a returns policy. Also ask for any written guarantee of authenticity.

When buying a clock for your own home, make sure you have a suitable room for it. A large antique wall clock can be quite ornate and can easily overpower a normal room. Ideally you will have somewhere that matches the style and period of the clock, where it will look at home. Also, it’s important not to expose antiques to direct sunlight so you may want to position the clock away from any windows.

It’s still possible to pick up an antique wall clock at your local yard sale, although the chances of finding a valuable clock are much greater if you visit antiques fairs or dealers. It’s slightly safer buying from an antique dealer because you are less likely to be sold a reproduction clock, but it’s always worth checking for signs that the clock is a genuine antique.

Tips For Buying An Antique Wall Clock is from Antique Wall Clock Guide