You have decided you want to purchase an antique clock? Maybe it’s just going to be a decorative piece for a mantel or a table top; or maybe you are looking for antique French Wall Clock. Maybe you want a beautiful highly functioning centerpiece for a room or a mantel. In either case an Antique French Clock can meet the need for either instance.
Antique French clocks tend to be ornamental in design or they tend to have figures incorporated into their construction. The example to the right shows an antique french clock that is light on the ornamentation but heavy on figures. This just one example.
So, what are the factors you should keep in mind when buying an antique French clock? It really doesn’t matter if the antique is a French Mantle Clock, a French Wall Clock, or an art deco French Table Top clock; the most important factor in your purchasing decision is do you like the clock? I mean the clock can be immaculate, original, and highly valuable, but if doesn’t appeal to you don’t buy it. On the other hand, you may find a clock that doesn’t work, has a few nicks and scratches on it and be priced for just a few dollars and absolutely love it. If that is the case, buy it immediatel!. You know what your tastes and needs are better than anyone else.
In my opinion part of your “liking or disliking” a particular clock is formulated in part on your knowing where the clock is going to go in your home or how it might fit into your existing collection. Or, if you are like me, you just like the darn thing so you buy it anyway!
This gets into the collecting versus decorating debate. If this item is for decoration then buy all means pick out what appeals to you that fits in your price range and then make your purchase. If you are starting or adding to a clock collection there a few other things I would recommend you keep in mind.
What is the condition of the clock? If you are collecting you want a clock that is close to its original manufactured and working condition as possible. I mean ideally you would find the clock still in the original box, not opened for a couple of hundred years, and works like a charm when you open the box. Reality check…not going to happen. Unless you get very, very, lucky. Some antique french clocks have been around longer than 200 years and are worth thousands of dollars. Since you are not likely to find one like I mentioned in the previous sentence try to find one that is close to its original condition. The next option after that is one that has been restored but with parts as close to original as possible. Don’t be bashful if you have a limited budget. Replica’s are ok as well.
Does the clock have a history? Was the clock owned by an important historical figure? Was it owned by someone famous? Everyone likes a story. It not only gives value to the clock but it also is a great conversation starter when someone says “I really love your clock”.
Does the clock have makers marks? Makers marks, trademarks, copyright marks, all things clock makers have used in the past to identify and mark clocks as their own. The mark says this clock was made by my company and because this mark is on the clock you can be sure it is an orginal. I have included an example of a makers mark from the Ansonia Clock Company pictured above and to the right. Makers marks might be a small piece of paper affixed somewhere to the clocks, a stamp on the inside of a piece of wood or an engraving somewhere in a metal piece in the clock.
To learn more about Antique French Clocks and to browse a wonderful selection of not only antique french clocks but all types and makes of antique clocks, please click through and visit AntiqueClockStore.net.
