Dating antique wall clocks

How to date an antique wall clock?

However, if you don’t there are various little things that can help when dating antique clocks. Like knowing when certain features were introduced or certain materials became available. A few simple things that can point you in the right direction and at the correct period for your antique wall clock, advertising clock or bracket clock.

How do you determine the value of an old clock?

To determine the value of an old clock, first, you should know what makes something an antique. An antique is any collectible item — from a piece furniture or artwork to a ring or a clock — that has high value because of its age. Typically, the item must be more than 100 years old to be considered an antique.

What are the different types of antique clocks?

There are many types of antique clocks: advertising, anniversary, atmos, bracket, carriage, cuckoo, deck kitchen, lantern, longcase, mantel, pendulum, skeleton, wall. Each type of antique clock is valued differently. For example, ornate German cuckoo clocks are more collectible than mass-produced kitchen clocks.

Why is it so hard to identify antique clocks?

It is the diversity of antique clocks, as well as the multitude of clock makers, that can make them challenging to identify. There are many resources available to help identify antique clocks.

How can you tell how old a clock is?

Signatures on an antique clocks dial or movement can sometimes help to date a clock. Providing you can find the clock makers name and the date of activity listed in one of the many guides accessible to watch and clockmakers. However, a signature may refer to someone other than the clockmaker.

How do you date a clock?

— signatures on a clocks dial or movement can sometimes help to date a clock if you can find the maker’s name and date of activity listed in one of the many guides to watch and clockmakers.

How do you value an antique clock?

Each type of antique clock is valued differently. For example, ornate German cuckoo clocks are more collectible than mass-produced kitchen clocks. Once you know the type of clock, do some research to determine if it has any historical significance.

How do you date an 18th century longcase clock?

18th century longcase clocks can be difficult to date because the brass dials were square before 1720 but about this date an arch top was added to London clocks, although, some square dials were still made after this date. Some provincial dials remained square, particularly in the country areas, until about 1760, especially on some 30 hour clocks.

How can you tell if a clock is antique?

Identify what type of antique clock it is. There are wall, mantel and desk clocks, among others. By knowing the type of clock, and comparing it to what a clockmaker manufactured, it will help identify the clock and confirm its authenticity.

What do the labels on antique clocks mean?

Quite often glued labels can be found on antique clocks. Labels are a great source of information when they are legible Labels can help identify who made the clock along with the site of the clocks origin.

How do I identify a foreign clockmaker?

It can be more difficult to identify a foreign clockmaker because they often only used initials or trademarks. Be aware of forgeries and reproductions. Antique clocks come in many different sizes, styles and designs and can be made of many different materials.

What are the most valuable types of antique clocks?

With a fascinating history that traces back to the Middle Ages in Europe, antique clocks are particularly popular among collectors as they come in such a wide variety of styles. Beyond the general categories of wall, table, mantel, and grandfather clocks, some of the most coveted antique clock styles include: Ormolu, Porcelain and Enamel Clocks