ANSWER: SELLING ANTIQUE GRANDFATHER CLOCKS

QUESTION: I have 2 long case antique grandfather clocks that I want to sell as I am moving and do not have room for them. I do not know how to sell them other than sending them to Lawson's actions and I want another alternative please. Thank you. 1 is a painted face and 1 is a brass face. -Catherine

ANSWER: Hi Catherine!
With the makers, serial numbers and other identification factors, I would have a better understanding of their value and therefore could provide the best options to sell them…For now, I'll give you a variety of options!
Antique grandfather clocks range from about $3500-$15,000 and up, depending on maker, workings, wood, era, rarity and desirability….
There is a free identification guide, and pay per price guide here:
http://www.antiqueclockspriceguide.com/indexlinks.php?clocktype=longcase

A great resource to date your painted face clock is here:
http://www.dialrestorer.co.uk/7.html

And another site for help with valuing grandfather clocks here
http://www.antiquegrandfatherclocks.com/search.php

As far as selling:
There is Clock Magazine based in UK for worldwide collectors which has inexpensive classified advertising rates and reaches your target / clock collector buyers.
There are several clock collector sites which have free classifieds. If they are desirable by collectors this type of direct sale to a private collector is your best option.
http://www.clockpost.com/
Join forums meet collectors find out where to sell or if they are interested….
There is an antiques / clock forum here; they also have a directory of dealers /auctions and specialty fairs:
http://antiques2.iantiquesguide.com/forum/viewtopic.php?forum=2&showtopic=205
This has a complete listing of clock collectors discussion forums in every language
http://www.horologysource.com/DiscussionForums.htm

Check for local Antiquarian Horological Societies and try to get a classified ad to their members/ clock collectors.
There is one in Melbourne, the Australian Antiquarian Horological Society
http://www.clockandwatchclub.com/ForSale.htm
And another in Sydney…
http://www.aussieclocks.com/
You may also be able to contact these societies to find out who in your area consigns clocks.
A local antique shop or clock shop may be willing to consign the item for you. Keep in mind consignment means the dealer will get a percentage of the final value, while if you sell to a dealer you will get a percentage (usually 30%) of value.
There is a list of Australian Antique clock dealers and many other resources here:
http://www.antique-horology.org/Entries/SearchAll.asp

I have had some luck selling certain items on google base, craiglist and yahoo classifieds.
Both are free…stick to your asking price!
More free classified sites: http://antiques2000.com/?
Antiques forum and a classified section
http://www.icollectorbazaar.com/qa/

They consign / sell your antique clock for you, worldwide and commission based.
http://www.clockguy.com/index.html
Also buys and sells antique grandfather clocks:
http://members.aol.com/jtrt009/index3.html

I am unclear as to whether you are opposed to selling at auctions, or just at Lawson's… Christies has an office in Sydney, and Victoria; they also have a high value minimum consignment ( i.e. they may not consign an item if it is not worth over $10,000)
http://www.christies.com/locations/regionview.asp?GlobalRegionId=2
There is an auction directory for other Australian auction houses at http://www.auctiondirectory.com.au/
http://antiquefineartauctions.com/id5.html

If I can be of further assistance please include details about your clocks and photographs.
Thanks for submitting your question to

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