Buy Cheap Antique American Clocks

If you are an avid collector of antique American clocks, you wouldn't have a hard time looking for models because these are abundant.

People know the demand and popularity of this hobby and there are those who constantly maintain antique American clocks in hopes that they become collectibles in the future.

Chances are, they end up getting profits from the clocks that they restore.

Take these for example. The Seth Thomas Empire Shelf Clock still runs even when it's 30 years old. It really depends on the manufacturer of the clock.

It seems that clocks that were made by credible manufacturers, the antique American clocks can definitely last for a long time. The rosewood veneer case can also last for as long as the clock's hands are still running.

The Seth Thomas Empire Shelf clock usually comes with a gong that strikes every hour. It may be an antique but for some reason, this feature can still run in Seth Thomas Empire Shelf Clock. The price range for these kinds of clocks is $750.

Then there are those that have a French gothic design. These clocks were made in the Hershede movement and were manufactured within the US and were distributed to other countries.

The casings are mahogany with solid brass caps. Other designs have reeded columns to accommodate the finials. These particular antique American clocks also come with a gong that strikes every hour.

Other antique American clock models that are popular are the Brewsters & Ingrahams 8-day Steeple Clock.

These antique clocks with 8-day movements, hands, and dials, and original glasses since the year it has been distributed are still being circulated.

Collectors of antique American clocks are on the lookout for this particular design because these are one of the collectibles that are considered to be the first to have of value in clock collecting.

The casing of these antique American clocks may be chipped but these do not affect the value of the collectible. As long as it works well, then the collectors are willing to pay as much as $525.00 for these.

Finally, another Seth Thomas clock that is a demanded collectible is the Seth Thomas Westminster Chime Mantel clock.

In fact, this is touted to be America's Favorite Mantel Clock. As it was manufactured and circulated in the 1930s to the 1940s, these particular designs of antique American clocks cost more than the average clocks because of its commemorative value.

The casings are usually of excellent original finishing and these add to the price of the clocks whenever they are for sale.

How to Discover What's Hot When Collecting Your Own Antique Toys

Are you a lover when it comes to collecting the greatest antique toys that are on the market today? There are many people all across the globe that love to have these all over their house either for themselves or too show when guests come. Whatever your case may be, there are a ton of different items that others are out there looking for now.

Believe it or not, one of the main toys that still holds supreme when it comes to collecting would still be Barbie dolls. I actually have a sister who has all the barbies as they come out in years, and can sure be valuable if kept in good condition.

Also, another popular antique toy would be the old jack in the box. Now when I was growing up these were not popular at all. But now they are getting mass appeal from the younger audience mainly because they do not produce them anymore.

Baseball toys will always reign popular. Anything from baseball cards, bats, even gloves. These bring back the great American past time which is why most will never lose value. Also, many people think that if the item they have has some scratches or mess ups with it, it has no value. That is the farthest thing from the truth!

By having something like this, the value of your item may even go up and have a high demand somewhere else.

With every year that goes by, so does the popularity of antique toys. Whether you like them or not, they should raise some eyebrows as many of them can be sold for a very lucrative price if you decide to do so. These types of toys are never going to go out of style, as they bring too much memories to others from their childhoods.

If it isn't special to you, it can be special to someone else.

The Beautiful World of Antique Miniature Engravings

Anyone who collects antiques will tell you that no matter what their favorite type of antique may be, there is one that stands out. This is the world of miniature antique engravings. These beautiful engravings have all the warmth and skill of normal antique engravings but at a fraction of the size.

There are many different forms in which you may find these miniature engravings. They may grace everything from antique handmade toys to being engraved on dishes or glassware. They may also be represented by many different forms. From miniature engravings of landscapes or other such pictures to famous quotes or favorite bible verses you can find any number of miniature antique engravings on the market.

Be forewarned however, just because these are available on the market doesn't mean that collectors won't find good stiff competition. Miniature collectors tend to be highly motivated to build their collection. Perhaps one of the best examples of such antique miniature engravings is the famous Lord's Prayer Pin. Created over the span of three years, between 1913 and 1915, this gold pin was engraved by Godfrey Lundberg.

Just one glance at this gold pin and you will quickly see the sort of interest that such miniature antique engravings can have. Another miniature antique engraving, also created by Mr. Lundberg, is the gold needle that has the letters "US" engraved directly on the needle's point. Imagine how much patience and attention to detail it would take to engrave the entire Lord's Prayer on the head of a pin.

It is just such skill that draws collectors to miniature engravings. Most all pieces you will find are one of a kind and rarely leave a person's collection. Again, the Lord's Prayer pin is a direct example of this. After spending 90 years in a vault it is just coming onto the market this miniature (the world's smallest in fact) is expected to draw an amazing $3 million+ when it sells at auction. This proves just how rare some of these miniature antique engravings can be.

A true aficionado of this genre of antiques will tell you that this is a small price to pay for the world's smallest antique engraving. While there are several examples of such high valued miniature antique engravings there are plenty of opportunities for the casual collector as well. There have been amazing results from stopping at a yard sale or flea market or even by searching online. Now the Lord's Prayer Pin is being sold at auction online. Keep your eyes open and who knows? You may just find yourself a treasure just as valuable as the world's smallest antique engraving. 

Buy Cheap Antique German Dolls

If a doll collector is looking for antique German dolls, chances are she is on a lookout for a Handwerck.

These antique German dolls have large almond shape eyes that are said to be the best and most prominent features. It may have a French appearance but it has good quality because it is made from the best materials.

Antique German dolls such as the Handwerck were manufactured in 1876. This continued til the early 1900s. The Handwerck manufacturing company was owned by Kammer & Reinhardt after the original owner Heinrich Handwerck passed away in 1902.

The Handwerck is found on a ball. This is the composition for the body which Handwerck made as he was constructing the doll. Doll companies purchase the bodies and the parts of the dolls that they are constructing from other manufacturers nowadays.

Therefore, a collector must have a keen eye and determine which are the original authentic parts and which aren't. As much as possible, they want to collect dolls that are unmarked. They want the dolls they invest in to come from original parts.

Collectors know that there are a lot of "doll hospitals" during the manufacturing of the antique German dolls. If there is a paper sticker on any part of the doll, then these might have been obtained on a hospital repair visit.

This does not make the doll less desirable for any collectors. Collecting it is still a trend but those true blue collectors want their dolls to be as authentic as possible.

In fact, businessmen made profits by buying then selling them and there is a difference in pricing when the dolls are authentic and when these dolls have stickers. The average doll collector prefers those attic finds.

They don't want any modern restoration facilities done because these would make it modernized and not antique.

The hype on collecting antique German dolls has even hit eBay. Most collectors check out the values and prices of the dolls that are sold online.

They compare and check whether these dolls are authentic antique German dolls or they have parts from other construction companies making these less authentic.

There are some collectors who remove the non-original bisque parts of their antique German dolls and continue to scour stores and online sites in search for the original parts so that they could replace these.

Since the doll is connected to a ball, there are chances wherein the stringing cord is already black with dust and can no longer be used but this is what those die hard collectors prefer.

Antique World Maps - Best Collectibles

During the Christian era, maps already exist that are regard as flat representations of the flat surface of the entire environment. Strabo and Ptolemy are the two persons who greatly influence the earliest world maps in our history.

Why do you think that old maps can be a wonderful item for collectors? Antique world maps can be perfect item not only because of its age but because of the beauty it gives. When you want something unique displayed in your house and this is one of the best suggestions I can offer you.

Choosing an antique world map can be critical for you need to consider certain factors that have the greatest value. Some of these factors should include the size, historical importance, regions depicted, rarity, age and the artistic qualities it possess. Having your own chosen collections has different meanings for each person. It has something about their personality and likes.

Antique world maps like mentioned earlier are used by early generations that are produced in limited copies which makes it more interesting to collect. Most of the original copies are already owned by different institutions and placed in the museums or sometimes owned by an explorer that also became an avid map collector. Having these items displayed in your house would mean that you are the type of person who gives credit to our history as well as to historical items that truly create a different impression that can inspire others too.

Maintenance is important if you have antique world maps as your collections. Once this item is totally stained or destroyed it becomes useless and worthless. This can be very expensive when it is in perfect shape and are still in good condition. Avoid buying maps that are said to be antique but shows no evidence at all. As a collector, you need to examine properly the item before getting it.

Antique Porcelain China - How to Spot the Genuine

If you are looking for porcelain always go for antique porcelain china, china wares are the best deal you could have on porcelains. When it comes to porcelain a wide variety is always available in the market thus the only problem is choosing what best for you.

China is well known genius in making pottery. There expertise made them famous for making porcelain chinaware. Most porcelain are even dated back from 11th century thus making it antique porcelain china which collectors and dealers are crazy about even households. Who can resist the beauty of antique porcelain china sets or antique porcelain china dinnerware? The answer is no one, not even the modern furniture fanatics.

Most antiques we see today are from shipwrecks salvaged that dated back from Ming dynasty, Qing dynasty and Song dynasty. Some of these salvaged antique porcelain china sets are in still good condition and still have high value. Collectors always go for these antiques which normally found in shipwrecks.

Before, porcelains are made especially for the emperor called Imperial kiln or peoples ware for ordinary people during the Yuan dynasty and the Min Yao. Imperial kiln is expensive than peoples ware the fact that it is made and only used by the emperor made it much of a higher value compared to others. If you buy antiques look for marks-like the "nian hao" for the imperial kiln though it is hard sometimes to identify if the item is genuine or not. Mostly fake ones have the lesser price; do not fall for the cheap price.

Antique Teapots - The Blast From the Past!

People collect many things- stamps, coins to name a few. Some people make a hobby out of collecting antique teapots. As a matter of fact, antique teapots make for a good collector's item both for its beauty and investment value. The Yixing clay teapot made by Gongchun in 1513 is the earliest teapot that exists. It is kept at the Flagstaff House Museum of Teaware.

Antique teapots can be found at antique shops, auctions and even on the internet. Two of the most common makers of antique teapots are the Royal Copenhagen of Denmark and the RS Prussia.

To begin with, anyone who wants to make a hobby out of collecting antique teapots must do a study on its history and value. This is essential as it gives a person an idea of the value and worth of such teapots and saves them from investing excessively in inferior items.

One of the best places to look for antique teapots would be in your local antique shops. You must build up a good rapport with the owner of the shop and let them know of your interests. You could leave your contact numbers with them and ask them to contact you if anything of your interest comes in.

You may unexpectedly find something of interest at a garage sale. What may look like junk to one person may turn out to be priceless or at least of some interest for another. It is therefore, a good idea to regularly visit garage sales.

Thrift stores are another good place to look for antique teapots. Some people give away their old things to such stores without realizing its true value.

If you are looking for genuine antiques and are willing to pay a high price for it, then you must go to an estate sale. These sales often feature high quality antiques that have been in the family for generations.

Bidding in online auctions is another way to build up on your antique collection. In the hundreds of websites that you will find online, there will be antiques catering to both the beginner and the serious collector. To avoid paying too much, it is better to read up a bit on these items unless you are very keen on owning them and the cost does not matter much to you.

Investing a lot of time, money and energy into these antiques is the only way to ensure that you have the best collection for your home.