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THE NOTEBOOK / Vintage notes

Vintage notes

Look closely at condition, details and history.

16 guides
A collection of different vintage wall clocks
Vintage notes

Looking at a vintage clock before buying it

Use the first inspection to establish what is present, what is known and what remains uncertain.

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A close view of an older alarm clock face and case
Vintage notes

Understanding condition notes in clock listings

Turn broad descriptions into concrete questions about the individual clock.

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A weathered ornamental blue mantel clock in a brick recess
Vintage notes

Patina, dirt and damage are different things

Ageing surfaces deserve observation before an attempt to make them brighter.

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An aged paper label still attached to the wooden back of an old clock
Vintage notes

Reading a maker's label without removing it

A label is evidence worth recording in place, even when part of it is difficult to read.

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A wooden clock dial with a printed year and decorative hands
Vintage notes

Why a replacement dial changes the story

A changed face can improve usability while altering the evidence carried by the object.

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A white mantel clock with Roman numerals and a top handle
Vintage notes

Buying a vintage mantel clock for display

A non-running clock can work as a display object when its physical condition and placement are suitable.

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A wooden pendulum wall clock with its pendulum visible behind glass
Vintage notes

Transporting a pendulum clock: questions to ask

Arrange the move around the particular clock rather than applying a generic packing recipe.

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A repairer examining the movement of a mechanical clock
Vintage notes

Asking about a mechanical clock's service history

Service history is most useful when it explains the work, its date and the clock to which it belongs.

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A vintage alarm clock displayed among older shelf objects
Vintage notes

Recognising the limits of online clock valuations

Online prices are comparison points, not a dependable valuation of an unseen clock.

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