Shop Vintage Antique Clocks » Announcements

Cuckoo Clocks Collectibles

AntiqueClocks — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 03:08:49 +0000

If you are a born collector with a penchant for vintage items, you might be looking for a new investment. Perhaps you are not ready to splurge on high-priced antiques, or maybe you simply do not have the physical space to make antique furniture collecting a viable hobby.

Vintage collectibles can be found at the most unlikely of locations. If you are a yard sale aficionado, or love the thrill of raising your hand at a vintage auction, you might already be half way towards finding a valuable bargain.

Cuckoo Clocks are a great find and collectible. These exciting hand-crafted time-keepers have finally made it to the top. Cuckoo clocks have been named as the number one vintage collectible by several of the largest auction sites in the world. The most highly coveted clock for collectors is the Black Forest Cuckoo Clock, which was first crafted almost three centuries ago by German maestro Franz Kettler. Hand-carved reproductions with vibrant chimes and weights fetch the highest prices.

As cuckoo clocks have been around since 1730 and have always been manufactured by gifted artists and skilled craftsmen, many of the older pieces that have been even minimally cared for are still in existence today. A well-preserved cuckoo clock from the 18th or 19th century can bring a king’s ransom at any of the prestigious auction houses around the world. Bidding can easily get up into the millions for a certified, pristine Schneider cuckoo clock in perfect working condition. Available in auction houses and high-priced boutiques around the world, antique cuckoo clocks are prized for their hand carved scenes, whimsical displays and attractive facades.

The familiar “cuckoo” sound on the half hour and on the hour never fails to turn heads. There is something about the unique call of the cuckoo, a bird that lays her eggs in the nests of other birds and then abandons her young to be raised by others, that hits a harmonious chord in the human psyche. Surely there are better behaved birds to signal the arrival of a new hour, and certainly any number of our aviary friends utter sweeter sounds that could have been employed to usher in that eagerly anticipated lunch hour. For some reason, the cuckoo clock became a worldwide phenomenon during a time when one part of the world was hardly aware of the goings in another.

Collecting vintage items that are rapidly gaining in value and popularity can be both fun and exciting. However, the saying “just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s valuable” definitely applies here, so take care to use good judgment when making your purchases.Other Interesting Posts:

Cuckoo Clocks Collectibles is a post from: Shop Vintage Antique Clocks

Types of Antique Clocks: The Bracket Clocks

AntiqueClocks — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:34:46 +0000

From hundreds to thousands of dollars, the price range of antique clocks varies depending on the type, function, age and history. Antique clock collectors rarely confine themselves to collection one type of clock or clocks within a certain time period. Clock collections usually range from different times, different types, companies, size and shapes. One of the more popular antique clock time pieces is called the bracket clock.

Bracket clocks can be traced to the 17th and 18th century, making them truly valuable to the clock collectors. It is an antique, portable clock, which is weight-driven and had to be mounted on a bracket on the wall to support their hanging weight, hence the name suggests. The earlier versions were smaller and were rightly termed as “true bracket clocks” by more meticulous clock aficionados.

A bracket clock would often be a matching ensemble of two individual pieces: the clock itself, and a decorative shelf to match. Bracket clocks are generally made of wood, mostly ebony, and often went alongside with some ormolu mounts, wood or tortoise shell, brass inlay and decorative varnish. These clocks were widely known to be repeaters- that is, you can pull down a lever or cord to make it tell you the time through the striking of the hours.

Bracket clocks were famous for being night-time tellers because it specifically tells the time at night with just a pull of its cord. This was before any type of illumination could be built in to clocks to read the time in the dark. The hourly striking, however, was believed to disturb sleepers during the night, so “silent pull repeaters” were also made to silence its sound by the pull of a cord. These classic time pieces were commonplace at that time but were quite expensive. The clocks were also equipped with a handle for convenient transfer from room to room.

Nowadays, bracket clocks have been made with modernized versions. But the antique pieces remain quite expensive. The look may have slightly changed but its function and value hasn’t also, it is still widely available in the market so it’s very easy to find one for your self. Check out our indexed eBay store for the best price and selection of Antique Bracket Clocks.Other Interesting Posts:

Types of Antique Clocks: The Bracket Clocks is a post from: Shop Vintage Antique Clocks

Popular Antique Clock Models

AntiqueClocks — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:29:52 +0000

Antique clocks, with their rustic and vintage appeal, have made their way into many homes. The popularity of antique clocks continues to grow as well as their value when properly maintained. From England to the United States of America, many homes now feature antique clocks as a decorative focal point. There are many types, sizes, styles, metals and patterns of vintage clocks. Noted below are some of the more popular antique clocks on the market today.

Lantern clock
A wall clock in the shape of a lantern. Generally made of brass these clocks date back to the 17th century Europe. Lantern clocks, also knows as Cromwellian clock, Bed post clock or Sheep head clock, have dominated the antique clock world. Known for their equisit craftmanship, decorative dials, engravings, fret work etc. The patterns and motifs of the clocks have greatly been influenced by the Renaissance period and originated during the time when local churches and priests where regarded as timekeepers. Lantern clocks usually have only one had indicating the hour time.

Long Case Clocks
Also known as tall case clocks, grand father clocks or floor clocks, are free standing clocks with pendulums, weights and chains. Adorned with elaborate carvings and decorative dials, antique tall case clocks become an instant focal point of any room. These clocks have also originated in Europe and have gained popularity world wide. There are different typs of long case clocks such as grand father clock, grandmother clock and the grand daughter clock. Each model comes in different length, specifications, design and configuration.

Water clocks
Also known as clepsydra and are some of the oldest clocks manufactured originating in the 16th century Babylon and Egypt. Antique water clocks use a liquid that flows in and out of a container where it is measured. Truly a delight to own and display.

Older generation clocks took the wayside with the invention of digital and atomic clocks for precise time keeping, but in more recent years, the charm of antique vintage clocks has made a comback. People who want to connect themselves with the age old tradition of grandfather clocks tend to buy the antique clocks. People are reminded of the ancient and glorious past while buying such clocks. Hence today many people around the globe make special efforts to get hold of such valuable and priceless piece of art.Other Interesting Posts:

Antique Wall Clocks

AntiqueClocks — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 02:36:23 +0000

At first these beautiful clocks were called "Lanterns" and were made primarily of brass and iron. About 16 inches tall, weight driven and wall hung. In the 17th century, added balanced weighted wheels where replaced by the verge and pendulum and as time went on so did the size and shape of the wall clock.

Antique wall clocks are very precious and expensive for a collector. The price is largely affected by the documentation that accompanies it such as model, date of production and brand name. It is important to have all the information before making a purchase. Functionality, within reason, is not a very big issue as these antique wall clocks can be beautifully restored, but the documentation is none replaceable. If it is a collector piece it is well recommended to bring the wall clock to an antique clock expert for review and appraisal. An appraisal should always be sought from someone who has no vested financial interest in the item being appraise.

If you are unfamiliar with antique wall clocks you may want to start your search at a trusted collectore They will buy, sell and repair wall clocks and will give you an honest opinion. A few antique wall clocks to mention are advertising clocks, pendulum clocks, regulators and water clocks. Find the make and model you like and do your research to get the best wall clock within your working budget. I like to seekout antique clocks with original or distinct history and stories behind them. It's fun to watch and recollect the stories and the people that would have touched it and what history the clock would have seen.

My favorite antique wall clocks are Advertising Wall Clocks. These are most unique in marketing and in design. The nostalgia of the old corner garage gas station advertising clocks cannot be beat. No matter what antique wall clock type you chose, it will be a good addition to your collection and good conversation piece.Other Interesting Posts:

Antique Wall Clocks is a post from: Shop Vintage Antique Clocks

Shopping Antique Clocks

AntiqueClocks — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:41:59 +0000

I guess it's kind of neat that when you think that a time keeping piece that was used a century ago and was so cutting edge is now so common place that it is mostly used as a thing of beauty. If we really wanted a clock to keep accurate time we would not be fiddling with antique clocks older then we are. Antique clocks are a passion and can bring you back to a specific period in time or leave you an awe of such expert craftsmanship.

Antique clocks are bought for several reasons. Some collectors seek out and purchase rare clocks as an investment and some look for that matching era piece to bring matching aesthetics to a room or wall. One of my favorite thing is the story that sometimes accompanies your new Antique Clock.

Antique Grandfather Clocks are a great investment and aesthetically pleasing. They are definitely a time piece that will stand out as long as you have the space to put it. Antique Mantel Clocks will make a nice addition to a nicely decorated fireplace or an Antique Wall Clock mounted at the head of an antique dinning room table.

Antique Clocks due come with great responsibilities as they require maintenance and care to keep their value and function correctly. If this is not something you can do yourself, you must take this into consideration and find a good clocksmith you can trust and that has experience refurbishing and maintaining Antique Clocks.

25 Antique Books Watchmaking Clockmaking Horology Clock
Sale Price: US $8.99

Other Interesting Posts:

Shopping Antique Clocks is a post from: Shop Vintage Antique Clocks

Best Deals Antique Vintage Clocks

AntiqueClocks — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:01:18 +0000

Antique Vintage Clocks is your antique clock and antique clock parts superstore. We specialize in hands, dials, books, tools, clock glass & transfers, cleaning solutions, pendulums, quartz and mechanical movements, cuckoo material, keys, fasteners, Sherline products, Kit-Cat Klocks, Atmos, Golden Hour parts, Cuckoo Clocks and more.

AntiqueVintageClocks.com products are brought to you by eBay, the largest auction market in the world. Antique Vintage Clocks is an eBay portal focused on Antique Clocks, Collectible Clocks and Clock collecting information. Let us search and index the best eBay deals for you in an organized fashion. Take advantage of product specific information and content to go along with your eBay antique clock buying experience. Open your shopping to the UK market buy visiting our UK store: UK Antique Vintage Clocks.

In order to bid on any of the items you see listed on this site you will need to have an eBay account. It is very quick, easy and safe to sign-up for an eBay account so take the time and do it now so you can get in on the action and not miss that steal of a deal!!

Antique White Chic, Shabby~MANTEL CLOCK~Distressed~Prim
Sale Price: US $31.99

5" Antique BRASS CRYSTAL Mantel/Shelf WATCH CLOCK LENS
Sale Price: US $39.99

Antique ART NOUVEAU ~ CHERUB FAIRIES~ Mantel Clock Case
Sale Price: US $44.98

Victorian style figural mantel clock. Antique 1900's
Sale Price: US $70.00

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN INGRAHAM BLACK MANTEL CHIME CLOCK
Sale Price: US $125.00

Other Interesting Posts:

Best Deals Antique Vintage Clocks is a post from: Shop Vintage Antique Clocks