An antique clock is one of the best investments you can make when it comes to your home. Not only do they look beautiful, they are also useful and steeped in history and skilled craftsmanship. However, due to their value, it is not uncommon for clocks to be faked or sold under the pretence they are older than they actually are. If you are planning on investing in an antique clock, it is therefore essential that you do the proper research. it’s essential before making your purchase to be sure that you’re getting the real deal.
Unless you’re an experienced antique dealer, it can be difficult to know what to look out for – especially if you are purchasing online. Most antique clocks will have been through some repairs or restoration at some point in their lifetime. Also, ensure that this work has been carried out sympathetically so as not to spoil the overall look or internal mechanisms. It is also important that such work has been minimal and carried out only when strictly necessary. If you are planning to purchase an antique clock online but are unsure what to look out for, here are some pointers to help you.
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Seller
The first things you should do when looking to purchase an antique clock is to find a reputable seller. Buying off sites like eBay can be risky. There’s no way to guarantee that what you’re buying is genuine. There are online sellers available who have a good track record which can help to guarantee your clock’s authenticity. For example, it is well worth checking out the antique clock selection at Love Antiques, a certified trusted seller.
Base
Next, the base is the first thing you should look at when examining an antique clock. Due to its contact with the ground, a clock’s base is most vulnerable to rot from damp and wood worms. This makes it the most likely part to have been replaced.
While restoration work on the base is acceptable, a full replacement can really reduce a clock’s value. Therefore, this should be avoided. You can spot a replaced base if the colour of the wood does not perfectly match the body of the clock. You can also check the backboard to see if it has signs of rot or if it has been cut short towards the bottom. Both of these could point towards a base replacement.
Movements
Another element that is often replaced is the clock’s movement. This can be trickier to spot. It requires added research into specific antique clock types. This way you can determine whether the style of the case matches makers’ location found on the movement. For example, clocks from different areas of the UK will each have their own distinct styles and design elements. Their materials correlate to the era in which they were made.
You should also check that the clock’s dial belongs to the movement. Extra holes in the movement can be giveaways. They indicate that it was created with a different dial in mind. You can also check that the date of the dial and the movement match one another, and the cabinet itself, too. This can be done by using a reference book or online guide. Use it to determine the period the style of dial or cabinet belongs to. The dial itself should fit the mask correctly, with a face that’s similar in size to the glass.
Markings
Finally, markings will result from the way in which a clock moves. For example, the weights and pendulum will create rub marks. Ask to see photos of the inside of the clock to see if the marks match the mechanisms. If there’s only one pendulum, there should only be one smooth mark.
Do research to ensure you have detailed pictures of an antique clock before purchasing. It’s possible to make a decision and genuine purchase that’ll act as a solid investment.
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