Crazy For Clocks

Finding a Collectible Mantel Clock May be Easier Than You Think!

April 25th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

If you enjoy finding a collectible mantel clock in the least expected places, you are probably a seasoned collector. But for those of you who are new to the game, locating and negotiating prices on collectible mantel clocks can be a real thrill.

The point to remember is that a clock doesn’t need to be in working order to be collectible. Much of the value comes from the history behind the clock and its actual appearance. There are many types of collectible clocks; grandfather clocks, wall clocks and mantel clocks are some of the most popular.

So where should you start looking for that “rare” find in the world of collectible mantel clocks? Here are a few good places to start your search for clocks to add to your collection. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather a good starting point for any new clock collector.

Scour the Local Garage and Yard Sales

When they said: “There’s gold in them thar’ hills”, they may as well have been talking about garage sales and yard sales. Some of the greatest finds in collectible clocks came from local neighborhood yard sales. They can be a treasure trove full of old and valuable items. Most people do not even realize how valuable some of their old clocks are and certainly do not look at clocks as collectible items.

A little off track, but we collect dolls from the 1950’s and find most of our valuable collector dolls at garage sales. How many times we found rare specialty dolls for just pennies on the dollar was too many to count. So, don’t turn up your nose at perusing a table full of old and “useless” items because a real jewel may be sitting right before your eyes.

Don’t Rule Out Thrift Shops and Junk Shops

A great place to find collectible clocks is in thrift shops and junk shops. Most storeowners have a relatively good feel for the value of many of their items, so it may be more difficult to find real bargains. However, they can’t be experts on everything and many times an old broken clock may be viewed as a piece of junk. It pays to keep a keen eye out for a collectible mantel clock in these shops.

Check Out Community Rummage Sales

Collectible clocks can be found almost anywhere. Community rummage sales are an ideal place to find collectible clocks. Why not take an old, broken clock off of someone’s hands and do them a “favor”. Many people are just looking to clean out the attic and don’t want to take the time to have their items appraised. This works to your advantage if you know what to look for. Do a little research and you will quickly become an expert on identifying collectible and valuable clocks.

And Don’t Forget the Internet!

Aside from eBay – the biggest auction site for anything under the sun – why not search for websites that might sell collectible clocks. A simple web search will return a host of sites of private individuals and companies that buy and trade collectible mantel clocks. You may not find any real bargains, but you can use these businesses to your advantage when you are ready to sell your collection.

Do your research, pound the pavement at local flea markets, garage sales and rummage sales, and in no time flat you will be looked at as an expert clock collector. Remember – your next great collectible mantel clock find may only be a few doors down the street at a garage sale!