What Makes a Clock Antique or Vintage?

Perhaps you already have a good sense of what you consider “antique” versus “vintage.” But after years of poking around the internet looking for interesting old clocks, I keep seeing confusion over these terms. So, maybe it’s not as clear-cut as we think. Let’s start with the word “antique.” According to the United States Government … More What Makes a Clock Antique or Vintage?

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How to Photograph Clocks Like a Pro: 7 Essential Tips

There are thousands of clock photos on the internet, ranging from stunningly detailed images to blurry, poorly lit snapshots. As an amateur photographer, I appreciate the effort some put into capturing high-quality images, but it’s frustrating to see clocks photographed in poor light, out of focus, or with distracting backgrounds. Whether you are showcasing a … More How to Photograph Clocks Like a Pro: 7 Essential Tips

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Clearing Up “Vintage” and “Antique” Confusion for Collectors

The Confusion Between the Terms Antique and Vintage Among clock collectors and owners of older items, there’s considerable confusion surrounding the correct use of the terms “antique” and “vintage.” These terms are often used interchangeably, and more often than not, incorrectly. According to U.S. law, an “antique” refers to items that are over 100 years … More Clearing Up “Vintage” and “Antique” Confusion for Collectors

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Tips on selling (or buying) an antique or vintage clock

If you are a collector or simply have a general interest in mechanical clocks and wish to sell antique and/or vintage clocks then, read on. I am not a seller but I purchase clocks to build my collection. I occasionally sell clocks locally as a way to manage my collection. Most of the clocks I’ve … More Tips on selling (or buying) an antique or vintage clock

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Tick Talk Tuesday #27 – Feet for my Gilbert mantel clock

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clock, issues you might have had, challenges you face or a clock you would like me to profile and my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump … More Tick Talk Tuesday #27 – Feet for my Gilbert mantel clock

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Sessions electric table clock refinishing – a father-daughter project

In light of current world events the antiquevintageclock.com family wish to convey our sympathy and condolences to those effected by Covid 19 My daughter found this vintage Sessions electric table clock, a model 3W and gave it to me as a Christmas gift. It is made, by the Sessions Clock Co. Forestville, Connecticut in 1936 … More Sessions electric table clock refinishing – a father-daughter project

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Gilbert 2038 tambour clock with Normandy Chime – servicing the movement

I have worked on Gilbert movements previously and each one has slight differences. This one has a rod gong with two striking hammers. Disassembly was routine but required the removal of some parts to separate the plates. The Gilbert Clock Company began making clocks in December of 1828 and produced clocks over a span of … More Gilbert 2038 tambour clock with Normandy Chime – servicing the movement

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Gilbert model 2038 8-day mantel clock with Normandy Chime

My wife was going through the online catalogue of an estate auction recently and found an attractive vintage Gilbert tambour style clock. “Are you interested?” she said. “Sure”, I said, “put a maximum bid of $35”. We won the bid at $25 + tax and buyer’s premium, so, still under $35 CDN. Would I have … More Gilbert model 2038 8-day mantel clock with Normandy Chime

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Gilbert tambour clock with Normandy Chime – movement servicing

This Gilbert tambour style mantel clock is model 2038 with a bim-bam strike or what Gilbert called a Normandy chime. The model number along with the words “Normandy Chime” are stamped on the bottom of the case. Gilbert called this the “Normandy Chime” as it was reminiscent of the old bells of Normandy (Corneville) in … More Gilbert tambour clock with Normandy Chime – movement servicing

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Schatz W3 – Installing an 8-rod chime block in a custom made clock case

Some time ago I bought this movement without a case. Having a movement without a case is like a car engine without the body I discovered this Aug Schatz & Sohne W3 (circa 1960) movement at a local antique store for under CAN$20. My wife said, “You should buy that, maybe you can make a … More Schatz W3 – Installing an 8-rod chime block in a custom made clock case

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A Smiths Enfield mantel clock comes back to life

Smiths Enfield mantel clocks are highly regarded by beginning clock collectors due to their popularity, abundance, and durable movements. For amateur clock repairers, they offer relatively few challenges. I acquired my Smiths Enfield time-and-strike clock in 2013 from a young clock tinkerer in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, but it was never a reliable runner. It would … More A Smiths Enfield mantel clock comes back to life

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Best clock moments of 2018

2018 was a successful year for my horological hobby in many ways. I met interesting people with fascinating stories, discovered new antique clock sources and had fun along the way. The best clock moments, in no specific order, during 2018 were: Arthur Pequegnat Moncton Finding an Arthur Pequegnat Moncton double-spring time-only wall clock was a … More Best clock moments of 2018

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Happy New Year Everyone (and not just clock lovers)

The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot Ringing in the New Year is for reminiscing, reliving, looking back and looking forward. As champagne corks pop, glasses are raised and fireworks explode into the sky, it is important to recognize the special symbolism this holiday brings with it. Amid promises … More Happy New Year Everyone (and not just clock lovers)

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Why are antique & vintage clock prices all over the map?

A few months ago I was following a NAWCC thread on the volatility of clock prices and thought I would echo comments from some of the posters as well as my own thoughts on why clock prices are seemingly all over the map. Market conditions and demand play a significant role. I have watched sadly … More Why are antique & vintage clock prices all over the map?

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Antique Grandmother Clock in Immaculate Condition

Antique Grandmother Clock in Immaculate Condition I am selling my wife’s grandmother clock because it does not suit the decor of our new home. She has treasured this antique for years and doesn’t want to part with it. Please make my execution as painless as possible and buy this clock quickly. Keeps perfect time and … More Antique Grandmother Clock in Immaculate Condition

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My antique clock stopped, what do I do?

An antique clock stopping unexpectedly can be frustrating, especially if it has been running smoothly for years. However, a stopped clock doesn’t always signal a major problem. In many cases, the issue can be resolved with a little troubleshooting and basic maintenance. Whether it’s a cherished family heirloom or a recent addition to your collection, … More My antique clock stopped, what do I do?

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Tempus Fugit – what you need to know about the worlds fastest growing clock company

Now for a little tongue in cheek. The Tempus Fugit Clock Company must be doing exceptionally well. Tempus Fugit clocks are everywhere, online for-sale sites, eBay, Kijiji and the like. Type “Tempus Fugit” in the eBay search box and dozens of wall clocks, grandfather clocks and mantel clocks will pop up. Not only can the … More Tempus Fugit – what you need to know about the worlds fastest growing clock company

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Tick Talk Tuesday #15 -what size clock key do I need?

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clock, issues you might have had, challenges you face or a clock you would like me to profile and my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump … More Tick Talk Tuesday #15 -what size clock key do I need?

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Tick Talk Tuesday #14 – Can you tell me something about my Forestville clock

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clock, issues you might have had, challenges you face or a clock you would like me to profile and my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump … More Tick Talk Tuesday #14 – Can you tell me something about my Forestville clock

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Kundo 400 day oval anniversary clock – let’s get this thing working!

Of the five anniversary clocks in my collection, none have cost me more than $30. It’s unfortunate because these clocks are truly fascinating devices. They are well-crafted, delicate, and ornamental, driven by spring mechanisms. While many thousands were produced, their abundance is reflected in their low value today. My focus is on collecting the older … More Kundo 400 day oval anniversary clock – let’s get this thing working!

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Blackforest shelf clock (Canadian made) gives me grief but decides to run again

The clock is a 1937 Blackforest Royal Tour commemorative edition shelf clock with an 8-day time-only “plate” clock movement. Plate clock movements are so-called because they were typically used on kitchen clocks with Dutch Delft plates such as this one in the next photo. The movement is likely German and could have been made by a number of … More Blackforest shelf clock (Canadian made) gives me grief but decides to run again

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