A New Look At Antique Carriage Clocks

Antique Clocks
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Mauldin]Margaret Mauldin

Antique collecting is the assembling of items of aesthetic, historical or monetary values from earlier eras.

How old does an antique have to be to be considered an antique?

Legally and traditionally, an antique is usually defined as an object over 100 years old.
During the 20th century, clocks as well as many other objects became desirable collector items of the past.  With the growth of interest in antique clocks, an expertise in historical styles, construction styles and methods for the care and identification of clocks, as well as other objects has developed.  Although some exceptions exist, the two basic types of grandfather clocks are 8 day and 30 hour clocks.  In collecting antique grandfather clocks, the 8 day is the more elaborate of the two types.

Have clocks become family heirlooms?

Emotional factors, such as belonging to a family member or if the clock can be proven to have belonged to a celebrity or someone of historical importance, it may make the clock more desirable.  Clocks hold their intrinsic value as it is passed along by family members.  Touch the smooth fine wood of the clock, listen to the melodious chimes or sounds it makes. The décor of a home is complete when adorned with a fine gift of time, a clock.   Clocks are sold in all budgets from modest pieces with little decoration to clocks with moving parts and works of art that can occupy an entire wall or table.

Why do they last so long?

With proper care and maintenance, a clock can keep perfect time for many years.
How well do antique clocks hold their value?

A clockmaker guide can help identify the maker of a clock.  The signature on the clock can help indicate when the clock was made.  The physical appearance of a mantle clock, grandfather clock, cuckoo clock, or wall clock, is an important factor in estimating the value of a clock.  Clocks that have the original elements, which have never been restored and are clean clocks, have a greater value than those in poor condition or have been altered.  A clock with the makers label or signature intact, and a clock with its original glass and decorative elements can all increase the value of a clock.  The value of the clock can often be determined using the above guides along with a clockmaker guide.  To determine when a clock was made might prove to be a difficult task.  Some have a signature located on the movement of the clock dial.  Relying on the signature however may be deceiving.  Sometimes the signature is the name of the distributor rather than the clockmaker.  Sometimes signatures are added to give an appearance of age and value.  A clockmaker guide can help identify the maker of a clock.  The signature on the clock can help indicate when the clock was made.     For more visit http://www.onestopclock.com

Wikipedia  online http://www.onestopclock.com

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