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Purchasing antique clocks can be a very huge financial leap, worse is when you buy a non-workable or dysfunctional grandfather clock.
In this post, you will get to know all you need to look for when buying an antique clock to avoid a bad investment.
Get To Know Your Local Antique Clock Dealer
The first thing to arm yourself with is ample knowledge about the antique world and your first point of call is your local antique clock dealer.
It will be of great benefit to you if you visit the shop regularly and foster a good relationship with them. This will get you privilege whenever there is a need to source the rarest and most sought-after clocks and also assist you when there is also a need to sell your unwanted antiques to a new owner. Lastly, they will also be able to recommend other antique shops and dealers around the country whenever you need to find other antique pieces.
Research
It would be an impossible feat to know everything about the antique industry, its makers, marks, and stories. But the more you know the better off you are with seeking and buying new antique clocks.
These are the following things you need to research on are; known makers’ marks, distinguishing features, wood types, and other such necessary information. The better your knowledge, the more equipped you’re with knowing what is genuine or not.
Avoid Damaged Items
It is of no benefit to you if the item is damaged and requires great attention or care. Buying an antique clock such as this will largely affect the value, thus leading to a loss of investment. Though there are specialists who can restore antiques to their former glory without their original parts and finishes, such repaired items will likely be devalued in the market.
However, if you did go for an item with holes, scratches, or minor issues, it is best to find a reputable antique restorer to ensure your antique clock stay in the best condition possible.
Restored Item Is A Big Red Flag
You need to be wise when investing in items that have been previously restored. That is to say, if decorative features such as enamel are present, try to verify if there are not several layers of paint hiding the original designs.
Many antiques are poorly restored which affects and greatly reduces the values because most restorations are quite noticeable on wooden casings.
Examine The Clock Movements And Parts
One important feature of antique clocks is their movement. A clock is as useless as useless can be if it doesn’t time the time, of what use is that to you? You should check the movement carefully to see if the same is the original or a replacement which will greatly decrease the value of the item.
To know if the movement is original, check the front plate and look for extra holes which is an indication that it belonged to a different dial. Also, if any parts are missing or the case seems too big or too little for the movement, then it’s a sure hint that the timepiece is not with the original casing.
Beware Of White Elephant
Refrain from rushing into any deal that is too good to be true, it’s likely a scam. The best recommendation you can be avail of in the antique world is going for quality instead of quantity.
One wonders about the antique clock is that when kept in the best condition, the values increases over time this is particular as items that are poorly restored or in bad condition, will not add up in value. Lastly, have a budget estimating all you need to spend on an item, and make sure you follow those to the letter.
Be Diligent In Waiting
You should note that antiques are a rare item to come by, whenever it seems you’re faced with no luck in getting your most prized antique collection, one thing you should do is to remain patient.
Many owners of antique pieces are emotionally attached to their possession and they find it hard to let that go, don’t just buy a piece for the sake of buying, wait and get the best your money could purchase.
Check Maker Marks
What makes ordinary items treasures possession are often the makers. If the clock has a signature, label, or marking that ties it to a known clockmaker or manufacturer, that could be a pointer in the right direction that the piece is worth owning.
However, you need to understand that labels and signatures can be purchased and forged for just a few dollars and that the labels or materials of one clock can be switched or married to a different case. You don’t want to fall victim to scams, so try to document every deal in writing.
Buy What You Love And Not What Is On Trend
Make no mistake about going for what’s on-trend, but what you truly fall in love with. This is an antique piece you will be having in your home or one of your treasures collection, so do well to get the one you love. So, endeavor to look at a variety of antique clocks before making the final purchase just to see which among them catches your fancy.
Make The Purchase In-Person
Making your findings, comparison, and sought-after information and ideas online are very ideal and fantastic. However, if you can, ensure you make the purchase of the antique clock in person. This will ensure that you don’t just buy from any tom and dick that calls himself a reputable antique dealer. The wisdom behind this is to avoid purchasing items online, only to discover when the same item arrives that it is laced with issues and damages.
This also allows you to discuss with the dealers the history of the clock and to make informed decisions about your purchase.