| Antique Longcase clocks like antique artwork or | | | | attached to it as it seems to have a heart, but not |
| other collectable items are so individual in nature that | | | | so the chest of draws or tallboy. |
| it is almost impossible to make a fixed valuation on | | | | There is also the fact that there is no capital gains |
| them. Unlike motor vehicles there is no standard | | | | tax on clocks which makes it a great investment as |
| value list guide, antique clocks hopefully go up in | | | | clock prices have been rising at about 10% a year |
| value, whereas motorcars depreciate the moment | | | | which is better than some pension plans and stocks. |
| you drive them off the sales room forecourt | | | | You can find many publications on the value of |
| A price asked for and offered is determined by the | | | | antique clocks but these never seem to be current |
| personal interest of the seller and the buyer, and also | | | | and never take into consideration regional variations, |
| on the market trend, but it is interesting to note that | | | | they mostly only cover the top end of the market |
| the antique markets, like all other markets are cyclical | | | | which are high value pieces. One of the best places |
| and are in and out of vogue. | | | | to find the current range of prices for clocks is at |
| The antique market seems to be correlated to the | | | | your local sales and auctions, you can go there and |
| housing market. When the housing market is in a | | | | compare your clock like for like to the ones being |
| boom period the antique market is in a slump, which | | | | sold, remembering that variations on movement and |
| has been the case in the UK for the last twelve | | | | dials, also type and quality of case can make a great |
| years. People have been investing their money into | | | | difference in valuation. |
| bricks and mortar and not putting their money inside | | | | If you don't have the time to spend at the auction |
| their homes. | | | | most auction houses publish a catalogue which they |
| It is inevitable that at some time the housing market | | | | will mail to you, and by consulting this you will get a |
| will reach a bubble, and house prices will stabilise or | | | | guide for the reserved price which as been placed by |
| fall and people will once again put their money where | | | | the seller. Many reputable auction houses do have |
| it will make the most gain, into a rising market, | | | | professional appraisers and valuing service but this is |
| antiques. This housing cycle is about fifteen years in | | | | not always free. You can find a full list of UK and |
| the UK so by the end of this year 2007 or into early | | | | global antique and auction sales from where you can |
| next year we should see interest in the antique | | | | get live auction prices and view the many current |
| market increase and the value of works of art and | | | | catalogues online. Also take a look at for |
| collectables go up. | | | | comparisons. |
| It is interesting to note that although the antique | | | | It goes without saying stay clear of dealers actively |
| market has been in decline for a number of years, in | | | | engaged in buying and selling antiques as I'm sure you |
| the antique furniture industry, clocks have held there | | | | can understand they have only there own interests |
| own with a small increase in value and sales are still | | | | at heart. |
| strong. This I believe is because we look upon a | | | | Always use professional appraisers attached to sales |
| clock especially a grandfather clock, as a working | | | | rooms, and official appraisers of local probate courts |
| living piece, to which we form a bond and get | | | | usually can give prevailing price values. |