Large Wall Clocks: Must Know Information For Aspiring Collectors

Large decorative wall clocks are currently very fashionable pieces of furniture to own and reap great aesthetic reward when positioned in a lovely area of a household. However, sourcing an elusive large wall clock can be difficult and a lot of would-be collectors don’t really know where to start their pursuit. It should come with a sigh of relief that beginning a wall clock collection isn’t difficult, but it does require advanced forethought and preparation before new horophiles can begin to amass a collection of monetary value or personal worth.

1. Craftsmanship

Many large wall clock collectors begin their pursuit based on craftsmanship alone. This is an excellent place to start as the physical condition of a clock is a necessary factor to consider when one is thinking about future resale value or potential profitability. For the most part, clock collecting is not necessarily the most profitable venture and should only be undertaken for personal interest. However, there are several clocks in existence that will continually grow in value so long as new clock collectors enter the hobby over time.

All clock candidates should be inspected for their interior workings. This means that the escapement’s gears, weights, pendulums, and other cogs should be visually inspected to see that they are in full working order. Many modern clocks have an interior test switch that can be manually activated to observe the clock’s inner functions at work, so if this is available, then the new clock collector should trip the switch in order to observe the inner mechanics of a clock. If any appear to be loose, broken, or damaged in any way, then the clock is best avoided as repair costs can be quite expensive; especially when a collector is interested in antique clocks with fewer original parts in known existence.

Not only should the interior craftsmanship be inspected, but also the exterior craftsmanship. Many wall clocks are made out of wood, so the grain should be visually inspected to look for signs of deterioration. Wood rot is common for older clocks and can be identified by splitting fibers or deep cracks that allow light to pass through. Rotting wood is treatable, but does come at an expense that could even exceed the initial investment in the clock. It should best be avoided when a new collector is just starting out unless he or she is interested in a certain brand.

2. Branding

The craftsman’s brand is a great way to start amassing collections. Names like Bulova, Ridgeway, and Seth Thomas are all leading brands in the clock making industry and investing in these brands could reap financial rewards in the future. However, investment prospects are questionable and may not see a return based on supply and demand. This is especially true if the demand for a large wall clock begins to lower as a lowering demand creates a “buyer’s market” where the buyers can set a price. This price can ultimately be much less than what was originally spent on the clock, so potential investors should be wary when it comes to buying large wall clocks for sale.

3. Storage

Clocks require special storage considerations in order to remain in mint condition. An extra large wall clock might be an attractive artistic piece, but it will become damaged over time unless proper storage considerations are made in the early going. This is especially important for investment pieces that require the best possible condition in order to reap future financial reward.

Mylar is a storage solution most suitable for paper documents, but it has also been found suitable for wood products as well. Wrapping a wall clock in a large Mylar covering prevents atmospheric conditions from seeping into the wood grain and creating cracks over time. It is also important to store this covering in a cool, dark place with low atmospheric humidity. Some collectors of objects have even taken to installing dehumidifiers in their collection area to ensure a lower humidity level at all times.

4. Display

Acquiring a large wall clock is best done for its aesthetic enjoyment, but mounting considerations are required on behalf of the purchaser. As these are fairly weighty units, they may require additional securing by some form of anchor device that holds the clock firmly in place in order to prevent it from crashing to the floor below. These in itself might not be the most aesthetically pleasing sites to behold, but will ensure the structural integrity of the clock over time so that it does not plummet to the floor and ruin the purchaser’s initial cost in an instant.

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