Collecting Treasures: You’d be surprised at how many people are fascinated with clocks
Yes, that’s right, clocks can prove time will increase your investment. … That is, if you invested in clocks back in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s.
Recently, we sold a collection of clocks from a single estate at auction that literally had hundreds of clocks and thousands of clock parts. Some clocks sold for several hundreds of dollars, which was 10 times more than the initial investment into them.
Now, you may be asking yourself, how can one person collect so many clocks and parts?
You’d be surprised at how many people are fascinated with clocks. Not only are there various styles — from the tall, stately grandfather clock, ornate mantel clocks and fine wooden antique clocks to the whimsical cuckoo clock and modern or art deco clocks — but people are often fascinated with the mechanics of clocks, not to mention their musical, chirping or booming sounds.
Sadly, today’s younger generation, who keeps time on their cell phones, may never know what a cool thing it is to be in a clock shop at noon and hear all of the clocks chiming in unison in their own distinct ways.
Clocks will range in price depending on rarity, condition, maker, and of course, the year they were manufactured.
At our recent auctions, some of the clocks that commanded the most prices were a Howard Miller Grandfather clock that was in mint condition and sold for $800, a very ornate decorative E. Howard & Co. Boston pendulum clock that sold for $500, and a Mckenzie Wolverhampton pendulum clock that sold for $300. This was very rare as we have only sold one of these clocks the past eight years.
Another collectible clock is the Ansonia Mantle clock that recently brought in $190 at auction. A PE Mourey Mantle clock at a recent auction brought in $160, but prices can vary depending on condition and style.
So, with the advent of Apple’s smartwatch and other wearable watches that have health-tracking and even wireless payment capabilities, will the clock be outdated soon?
I don’t think so, though its function may take on a different role. Millennials and younger may keep track of time via their watches and cell phones, but they may still like clocks as a decorative piece, especially vintage clocks.
Not to mention that we often see cyclical trends with items like clocks. So, that large, stately grandfather clock could someday be in demand. Only time will tell.
Erik Hoyer co-owns EJ’s Auction & Consignment in Glendale and J. Levine Auction & Appraisal in Scottsdale. Contact: erik@ejsauction.com, www.ejsauction.com or@EJs_Auction on Twitter.
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