Clock Prices

[NECCnut]

Kind of like getting married, right? LOL!

QUOTE=tonyboy;490680]I know that when i see a clock that i like, ( which is almost all clocks that are mechanical ) ( Although i don't buy table clocks as much as i did at first ). I have a quick look at them to see if the basics are there i.e. pendulum, Suspension springs. etc. Then when you get home and have a closer look, then you see what really is missing or the damage to the case..............[/QUOTE]

[Oldfathertime]

Very interesting subject. I'm no 'expert', far from it, but I do know that buying any clock, especially old mechanical types, that common sense should prevail, don't let your heart rule your head. A lot of clocks hate being moved and may take quite some time to 'adapt' and settle into their new environment due to handling, humidity and how it is positioned. Pendulum driven clocks have to be dead level front to back and side to side when in their desired position to run properly and when concidering purchase make sure the vendor guarantees it running well and that you can return it if not. Clocks that need repair may need parts re-made which may require the services of the watch/clockmaker/jeweler that could cost more than its intrinsic or resale value. Here where I am located in the UK we have a good monthly antiques fair where a lot of clocks and watches are on offer and although I've not as yet purchased any this way they do seem over priced and some look a little 'suspicious' like they are an assembleage of many and some of the cases, especially the wooden ones, have been polished and cleaned within an inch of their lives. Always, as said, offer the dealer a 3rd of what they're asking and then work up to what you are prepared to pay and it's always a good idea to research and look around the 'net at previous auction house prices that have been achived especially if you're looking to buy a specific type of timepeice. It's the same really in buying anyting, three very important things to consider, condition, condition, condition.

[tonyboy]

Oldfathertime, you should take a walk around a couple of boot sales to see what you can pick up, depending on what your after, if you want a decent clock don't bother with boot sales, but if you want something to restore you can pick up a bargain. Normally you can pick up a half decent clock that needs a bit of work doing to it for about a tenner, or if your lucky a couple of quid.

[Oldfathertime]

Tonyboy. I do frequently look around a local very big boot sale and do see a number of clocks from time to time but to be honest most of them are either quartz movements, which I absoluteley detest and have no interest in, or so far gone that they should be binned. Some that do turn up are far too overpriced and the sellers will give no indication to their working state. Perhaps I'm being a little too cautious but to be perfectly honest I would sooner pay that little bit more for something good and working. Like I mentioned before, I've not really got into clocks that seriously up to now as I have many other collecting interests so will have to study the subject in a little more depth if I do get more serious about them. Having said all this however, I did buy an old 1930's striking, striking as in 'bing bong', cuckoo clock at the boot sale a couple of weeks ago that seemed in good order, bellows and everything good and all complete apart from the pendulum which was missing, I'm sure I'll be able to find one for it, it's an ivy leaf pendulum it needs.

[The Stickman]

Ok I am VERY new to clocks. But have for some reason become entranced in their sound as i sit here and listen to my German mantle clock tick. But one thing I am good at is simply driving around looking for places to go. And I have to say that atleast around here it isn't so much wether it is an antique mall so much as the antique mall itself. Let me explain. About an hour from me there is an antique town with two malls so to speak. They are clearly different. One is more neat and tiddy and expensive where everything looks great. The other is more casual or comfortable. The booths range from organized and neat to chaotic. Prices are better and range as well although not always according to how teh booth looks. My problem is they simply didn't have what I wanted. Lot's of Gingerbread clocks few if any wall clocks and no Junghans like I was looking for. But my search continues. Might get lucky Saturday.

[shutterbug]

It's the same problem The clocks are priced too high for what they are, and people know it. So the merchants sit on unwanted clocks, hoping they'll sell and tend to not buy any more since they are not good sellers. If they are priced reasonably, they will sell. Lower profit, higher volume - that's Walmarts policy that made them rich. It works if you have the volume to feed it

[Oldfathertime]

Traders that specialize in clocks have to buy the stock, repair where nessecary to make presentable and saleable and also have to pay rates and rent plus services on their premises, pay for pitches at fairs and only then make a living so the price they ask for their items will have these expenses factord in so it's not so much 'what can you sell it for mate'?, it's more like 'how much can you afford to sell it for? You have to find the stock first as well and that requires time and legwork.

[dholk]

We are probably not your run of the mill dealers in antique malls. My wife and I try to be professional. She handles a wide varity of antique and vintage merchandise, I handle clocks. I try to have a good variety at fair prices. I put them in good working order and guarantee them for a year. I gather data on dating, etc. on the more valuable ones.

David

[Oldfathertime]

David. This is exactly what buyers have to do, respect the seller and not assume that he or she is in it just to make a fast buck.

[shutterbug]

Exactly. As I said before - a working clock that's been serviced is worth a higher price. The run of the mill crap you find in most antique stores at 'serviced and working' prices that don't run - that's the crime here

[NECCnut]

I'd have to agree with the last post. Clocks that I have seen at antique malls have had cracked back boards, uncertain or unworking movements, poor dials, missing keys, ruined tablet, or otherwise very commonplace clocks with an asking price of $350 just because they are "antique." These clocks just sit and sit, for good reason. One antique mall in Kansas had a really nice German "free-swinger" wall clock but the tag was priced $685 FIRM. Now, this clock might be worth that, and it might not, but I know I have seen excellent examples of this type of clock on eBay sell for less than half that, including shipping. There was no difference in condition, and often the eBay listings had more detailed information as to movement, running condition, etc. The only clock they had there that might have been priced fairly was a beautiful old OG clock with a wonderful tablet. $345.

[fume happy]

If you're new to clocks, i highly recommend OG's as a starter. you should be able to find a good solid one for 50-75 at your local good sized flea market. (IE one that has decent veneer, a usable dial, and a good portion of the label. Maybe even the tablet if you're lucky)

Echoing earlier sentiments you can find the occasional rare bargain at the antique mall, or stand a better chance at the local flea market.
~Fumey

[Kevin W.]

Many ogee clock i see go for about a hundred or under.They are a good running antique clock and will serve you well.I see many non running clocks in antique shops around here for 200 and up. I guess i am picky as it would have to be a pretty special clock for e to buy for 200 non running.I usually find good clock buys through the chapter i am in.I think connections are the way to go to find good clocks.
My best clock find lately is my Herschede mantal clock for 10 bucks or my Pequegnat hall clock for under 200.

[dumpsterdiver]

There are online sites that you can subscribe to that will give you auction results for clocks. The NAWCC library has antiqueclockspriceguide.com and that is fun to look through. But even the auction prices go all over the place. I have found some nice clocks at local thrift stores now and again.

So is there a "tip over" number of clocks that turn you into a collector and not just someone who just has a few clocks? 3? 5? 8? 20?

Randy

[Oldfathertime]

I have always been informed that if you have two of something that it constitutes a collection!

Attended a local Country Fair today and on one of the stalls the chap had a clock and garnature for sale, the clock peice was a 3 inch gold/guilded bezzel and horisontal 'wavy lined' dial with Arabic numerals in a porcelain stand that was deep blue and white with gilt highlighting. The two side peices were ballister type 'vases' with integral top 'covers' with a fineal that matched the centre peice/clock. All were about 12 inched high and the matt black markings on the bases read 'Empire China Works, Staffs England' The asking price was £45 but the guilding was very rubbed and the clock was missing the regulator lever. He offered it to me for £25 but I declined the offer for the last two reasons.