Finding a fantastic piece of antique furniture always feels like winning a lottery. After all, given what happens on Antiques Roadshow, you can easily surmise that antique furniture can earn you a handsome profit.

However, pawning or selling antique furniture isn’t always an easy process. If you have an antique clock on your hands, gauging its value can help you discern if it’s actually worth selling (or keeping).

Things to Do to Gauge Your Antique Clock’s Value

First off, you should keep in mind that not every old-looking piece of furniture is an antique piece. Moreover, not all antiques have real value. That said, below are some tips that can help shed light on how much your clock is worth.

1. Examine for Markers

All types of furniture, not just antiques, have markers that indicate their origins. These markers can tell you what the piece is worth, so checking them beforehand is one of the best ways to know your clock’s value.

Here are some markers that you should try to locate on your clock:

Labels or Signatures

Clock manufacturers always leave a label or signature to signify that they’re behind the masterpiece. Examine your clock’s dial or backplate since manufacturers usually stamp or engrave their markers there. If there is none on either location, don’t be discouraged since other features can help you identify the maker.

If there is a label or signature on your clock, you can use that information to learn more about it, such as its model or year of production. You can then check the marketplace for clocks in similar conditions to see what they are worth.

Handmade Evidence

Most collectors and pawnshops covet antique furniture because of the craftsmanship behind the pieces. So, if your clock is handmade, it’ll likely sell for a higher price, given the right circumstances.

Handmade clocks differ from machine-made clocks because they have irregularities. Dovetail joints are excellent indicators for said irregularities. Additionally, you can also look at the curves, and if they’re symmetrical, chances are your clock isn’t handmade.

Signs of Age

Older clocks tend to fetch a higher price compared to recently made pieces. So, while you’re looking for the other markers, try to check for signs of age as well.

One of the easiest to spot is the “old wood” scent. Look for wear on the moving parts, especially on the clock’s face. You may also want to check if a single slot screw is present on the piece.

2. Check Out Online Pricing Guides

After checking for identifying markers, you likely have a better understanding of your clock’s make, model, and manufacturer. As previously mentioned, these pieces of information can help you in your research, especially if you use the many pricing guides available online.

While browsing through these guides, make sure to keep your clock (or a picture of it) nearby to ensure that you’re ticking off the correct details. Doing so will result in a more informed search in the long run.

3. Consult with a Professional Appraiser

Personal research can only go so far if you don’t have much experience appraising antique furniture. If you want to find out more about your clock aside from what the internet can tell you, you should consider visiting an antique appraiser to get their professional opinion.

Antique appraisers can provide a more accurate price estimate for your clock. However, you should note that not all appraisers do appraisals for free. Some have fees, which may often come in the form of a percentage of your sale.

Final Thoughts

Antique appraisal is a delicate process that will dictate how much money you can make from your discovered piece. To ensure that you’re getting the best price for your clock, it’s best to take the time to examine it and do your research. Afterwards, consult with a professional appraiser to wrap up the process.

If you’re looking for antique dealers in Adelaide, consider visiting Cavalier Antiques and Restorations. We offer a wide range of antique pieces from the 1700s to the 1920s. We also offer buy and sell options to those interested. Check us out today!