Clocks not only provide accurate time but also reflect the owner’s personality and style. And though we are in the modern era, many people choose classic clocks that have sentimental value and a story to tell, such as antique wall clocks.

Antique Wall Clocks: What are they for?

Antique wall clocks add a classic finish to any room and a touch of elegance to the most simple and understated space. These clocks allow you to see time in a different way. You will notice the impeccable craftsmanship that is becoming increasingly rare in these days of rapid mass production. Each piece of an antique wall clock has character and is built to last. With proper maintenance, they can surpass the performance of many other modern versions. They are also a good investment, as the value of a well-maintained antique wall clock increases with time.

Antique wall clocks are wound with a key and are usually larger and heavier compared to other wall clocks, so you should be careful when hanging one. Prices of antique wall clocks differ according to size and design.

A carefully chosen antique wall clock can be an elegant and sophisticated conversation piece. Aside from adding a classic touch to your room, an antique wall clock can also be given as a gift to your loved ones or friends who love to collect antiques. This classic timepiece can also be an heirloom to be passed from generation to generation.

Buying and selling antique wall clocks

If you want to modify or repair antique wall clocks to earn a profit, you should first find out your target market’s desires and preferred styles. Knowing what customers are looking for will set clocks apart from common antique clocks and attract loyal clients. You should also consider the geographical and cultural aspect of your target market when modifying or designing a wall clock. People prefer designs that showcase their country’s distinct characteristics and culture.

Wall Clocks provides detailed information on Antique Wall Clocks, Contemporary Wall Clocks, Decorative Wall Clocks, Kitchen Wall Clocks and more. Wall Clocks is affiliated with Tuscan Wall Murals.

Lamps have been an integral part of households from the beginning. Over the course of time, the use of lamps have not just been limited to lighting up the interiors of the house but also have a significant contribution in enhancing the décor of the rooms. Lamps have been one of the most important focal points in arresting the attention of the guests, by their intricate designs and patterns. The lighting materials have also evolved with time, from candles to gas and now electricity. However, there have always been certain unique features attached with every period, reflecting the typical life style of people and the use of lamps. Antique lamps are those, which have gone through the test of time and remind us of the bygone days. These lamps are highly valued and in demand for their vintage appeal.

Antique lamps include candle lamps, gas chandeliers, solar, astral, sconces, sinumbra oil lamps, kerosene lamps, piano lamps, banquet lamps and even electric lamps. These lamps also include the Victorian and American designed art-glass lamps and the various lighting devices. Antique lamps are bought for their designs and patterns. People collect antique lamps to enrich their collection. Some of these lamps are even sold to museums, depending on their historical value and exquisite periodic designs. They appeal to art collectors, either for their private collections or contribution to museums.

Antique Lamps can be found with various antique dealers and are sold in either ‘restored’ or ‘as found’ condition. The lamps are restored by polishing, burnishing or replacing some parts and not by interfering with their vintage value. Catalogs of the antique lamps in stores can be found online with the complete description and historical significance. Prices depend on the vintage value and rarity of the design and art- work on the lamp.

Lamps provides detailed information on Antique Lamps, Floor Lamps, Hanging Lamps, Lamp Shades and more. Lamps is affiliated with Contemporary Floor Lamps.

If you visited the fair during the mid 19th century until the early 20th century you would have probably come home the proud owner of a little ceramic figure now referred to as a ‘Victorian Fairing’. They were originally given away to the working classes as prizes at fair and were mostly about 3.5″ long and about 2.5″ deep and 3″ tall, mounted on a rectangular base. They were normally made from white, glazed, soft-paste porcelain and were intended for display on mantelpieces.
The typical subject matter for a Victorian Fairings cover risqué humour to politics; for example marital scenes such as ‘married for money’, ‘Shall we sleep first, or ….’. Victorian Fairings were manufactured from the middle of the 19th century to the outbreak of the first world war.

‘The last to put out the light’ is a common example that you will have no trouble finding. Numerous examples of this figure exist, differences appear in the figure, colours, tablecloth, candle holder, and the arms or legs maybe positioned slightly differently. You will typically find the candle broken off as this was done for good luck.

Fairings can be grouped into a number of key themes, marriage with examples such as ‘Married for money’, ‘Three o’clock in the morning’, ‘When a man’s married his troubles begin’ and ‘Twelve months after marriage’. I doubt its necessary to explain all of these captions as the sentiment is still applicable today, but I do like ‘Returning at one o’clock in the morning’ as it shows a man tripping over a chamber pot in the middle of the night clearly inebriated and being chastised by his wife, a situation I’ve never found myself in!
Although they are often assumed to be British due to the typically English humour they were in fact mainly made in Germany, in particular by a company called Conta & Boehme. Conta & Boehme, Pössneck in Saxony exported in vast quantities to the United Kingdom, USA and other countries. They were established in 1790 and exhibited at a number of key events through the 19th century:
·Melbourne (Australia) exhibition in 1880
·The Great Exhibition in Hyde Park, UK in 1851
To identify Conta & Boehme fairings look for a shield shaped mark that contains a small arm holding a dagger impressed on the base. This mark is usually found with an impressed 4 digit number ranging from the first series 2850 to 2899, and the second series 3301 to the 3380s.

Victorian fairings capture the humour of 19th century Europe whether it is risqué, political or just plain funny. They are an up and coming area for the collector with prices having risen over the last few years as their popularity grows.

About the Author
Andy run’s Timeless Treasure the antique and collectable web resource for the avid collector. This portal can be accessed at www.timeless-treasure.biz. He is also a published writer on antiques.

Antique glassware needs a gentle hand. This month we’ll give you some useful tips to help you care for your antique or modern glassware.

1. Avoid putting glassware into direct sunlight or near any other heat sources such as radiators.

2. Avoid slippage by using two hands when carrying delicate items. Remove lids and stoppers to be safe.

3. Avoid stains in vases by changing the water every two days and removing any flowers or leaves before they dry onto the vase. Keep in mind that any liquid will stain glassware if it remains over a period of time.

4. Avoid temperature extremes. Very cold or very hot water is too taxing on antique glassware. Sudden temperature changes can stress the glass.

5. Avoid the dishwasher; it is too harsh on fragile glassware. Fill a plastic bowl with warm soapy water in the sink to wash glassware. The plastic bowl protects the glassware from the hard stainless sink.

6. Wash items one at a time to avoid any in-water collisions. 7. Use a soft bristled brush made of nylon or plastic to wash glassware.

8. Line the drying area with towels in case of any tumbles. 9. Gently dry glassware with lint-free cloths.

10. During storage, remove decanter stoppers and lids. If there is any dampness, the lid will trap it in and cause cloudiness.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium, an antique shop located in Toronto, Canada. He does furniture restoration, caning and rushing repairs, custom reproductions, upholstery, teaches courses on antiques and does appraisals for estates and community events. He can be reached at 416-785-4555 or by visiting http://www.takeaboo.com