Antique Cuckoo Clocks – A Fun Collectible - By: Gust Lenglet

A cuckoo clock is a type of clock that sounds the half hour and hour by using sounds that imitate that of the cuckoo bird. Since the seventeenth century, these clocks have been made and are a staple among mantle clocks. Cuckoo clocks are among the most popular types of mantle clocks that are sought after by casual users and collectors alike. Antique cuckoo clocks are especially sought after and can be quite valuable.
One of the advantages of antique cuckoo clocks is the abundance of them that are available. This can be very beneficial to those on a budget as you can get antique cuckoo clocks at an affordable price. For those looking for more rare and unusual items, the cost can be and usually is quite high, but these are mostly serious collectors in the field that are looking at it as an investment. Even antique cuckoo clocks can be found at an affordable price and in good condition, and because they have always been so popular, there are plenty from which to choose. Again, do your research and look out for replicas.
Many sellers aren’t aware of the value of some cuckoo clocks in their possession, and often times get rid of them at garage sales, by using classifieds, antique auctions and online auctions at greatly reduced prices. This is not too common, but does happen, so examine it carefully, and know what you are looking at. For anyone desiring a nice clock to add to their mantle, they can get a good deal, and for the avid collector who knows what to look for, they could very well find a rare gem at a steal. However, for collectors who are looking for rare antique cuckoo clocks in excellent condition you should be prepared to spend some money on them.
Antique cuckoo clocks that are hand carved, elaborate, and in good working order can start at several hundred dollars and go up to several thousand. The rarer the find, the more expensive it will be. Also, if it is in good condition and in working order, this will drive the price up even further, however, for the serious collector, having such a rare item in their collection can be priceless.
Today, cuckoo clocks are still being manufactured and some are very elegant. However, a lot use different mechanisms and recorded sounds that are not authentic to the original workings of antique cuckoo clocks. For those who are looking for a bit of history or nostalgia, nothing beats the genuine article. Antique cuckoo clocks are a good investment and can be handed down from generation to generation, making these mantle clocks timeless, and adding style and elegance to any décor.

Collecting antique cuckoo clocks can be a fun and rewarding hobby. As with any collectible, do your research, and know what you are looking for. Many replicas and other knock-offs are in the market being passed of as "antique collectible".

We carry a large selection of antique cuckoo clocks for the collector, and for those purchasing one as a gift, See our collection at http://www.collectible-mantle-clocks.com