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WS118 Collecting Clocks for the Beginner Lesson Plan

Introduction

• Introduction of the Instructor
• Overview of the materials to be covered

Reference material

• Books on the history of clocks

• General books
• Books on specific topics

• Books on collecting
• Price guides

• Strengths and weaknesses
• What’s available?

• Internet resources

A brief history of the development of the clock

• Early clocks: pre-pendulum
• Early pendulum clocks
• Lantern clocks
• Tallcase clocks
• Hanging clocks
• Mantel clocks
• Cuckoo and 400-day clocks
• Other clocks

Defining a collection

• What should I collect?
• Cost vs. resources
• Interest vs. availability
• Quantity vs. quality

Break

The hunt

• Where to look for clocks

• Online
• Antique shops and malls
• Auctions
• Flea markets and marts
• Word of mouth

• Advertising for clocks

• Local papers
• Online
• NAWCC publications

Lunch

Museum tour

Evaluation of a clock

• Look at what you’re buying

• Are there visible problems?
• Does the item “look right”?

• What makes the clock desirable?

• Design
• Quality
• Brand name
• Oddity or rarity
• Personal taste

• Is the clock “right”

• Do all the components belong together?
• Have there been extensive repairs or modifications?
• Do the dial, hands, and case belong with the movement?

• What is the clock's value?

• Is the clock made by a desirable maker?
• Is the case of unusual or rare materials?
• Are there any special features or complications?

Displaying your collection

Maintaining your collection

• Cleaning the clocks
• Servicing the clocks
• Winding the clocks

Security

• How to protect your collection
• Insurance: pros and cons

Review and questions

For additional information contact Ted Brachfeld at the NAWCC School of Horology: 717-684-8261, ext. 216.