Still not quite there in the head-space to write/share stuff about Millie. I can say that she has, I suppose for lack of a better word, stabilized. But it is still not good. I imagine things won’t be good again. And my feelings about everything are at odds with absolutes that I have embraced for my entire life. I know. Pretty vague and general there, but a post will be coming eventually. Better out than in, right?
Now. Here is a post where I totally come out and ask for thoughts and advice on something pretty specific. A sort of, all hands on deck, help me please post.
And I won’t get into too much detail about our money situation (which makes me laugh because, heh, WHAT money?!) but the reality of our life is that as we abide with GM we are sort of stuck here in this town. So all creative energy we have to spare is being spent trying to figure out how to exist on little to low.
Which brings us to the specific- there is a clock. It is what you would call a long case clock. An antique purchased most likely in the 60-70′s. (aka NOT a family heirloom) We think it could be worth something. But how does one a) find out the worth of such things and b) sell it?
And is it silly to think that there is a market for such things? I keep having dreams about diamonds being hidden in the house or finding out that we have property somewhere to escape to/live. Salty flavored hope.
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
Google says Alexander Miller is a well known Scottish clockmaker…
“Alexander Miller is recorded in John Smith’s Old Scottish Clockmakers as practicing in Montrose in 1798, and dying September 26, 1808.”
So that helps you date it…
Call the American Society of Appraisers. There isn’t a clock expert in FL or GA, but they’re updating their records/list so perhaps they can help.
http://www.appraisers.org/AboutUs/ContactUs.aspx
No Antiques Roadshow coming through town anytime soon?
I was thinking that you should hit up your local antique shops and see if they know or want to buy it. Actually, my dad knows a bit about clocks, I think, so if you want to email me all you know about it with some pictures, I can ask him. We’ve got a bunch of old clocks from England and Indonesia. Well, the Indonesian ones are mostly Dutch, I think.
Just a thought…since you have a child can’t you get rental help? Up in Jersey it’s called HUD housing, also I’m sure you can get welfare too. I know you may not want to do that, but you might have to. I know up here they have emergency rental help too. Might be worth a look.
There’s gotta be some internet forum out there you can ask.
I hate it when my dreams reflect my real-life worries.
There is one Alexander Miller clock on ebay right now – wiwth an asking price of $9,999! Definately worth investigating. An appraiser would be a good place to start.
ebay listing
I would call several antiques dealers in the area, and ask them what they would give you. Selling to a dealer is going to get you the least amount of money (least, that is, unless you sell it with no concept of its worth), but it is the easiest. And probably fastest. Both of which are big points in favor of that option. But you must speak to several dealers to get a good idea of its true worth. Other than that, you will potentially get more money at an auction, but I’ve no idea how to figure out how to get the item into an auction. I suppose you can call Sotheby’s or Christie’s or some company like that and ask. They must get inquiries all the time, so should be able to help.
Do you know if the clock is “real” as in not fake? Do you have a copy of the original receipt? Anything to show its provenance?
I’d also suggest asking an antiques dealer but not necessarily selling to one. I have no idea of worth but good luck. I hope it’s worth a bunch.
I know nothing but I am really, really curious how the clock story turns out, so keep us posted!
Good luck! I don’t know much about those things, but I hope you get a good price for it! We are tightening our belt over here too for a bunch of reasons, and it sucks. If you can live for awhile off the sale of the clock, that would be awesome, too bad you can’t get one of those HGTV shows to come over and go through your house to find antiques to sell! My brother actually has a friend who needed money, so he just started selling random fairly useless stuff on eb*y and he apparently made a fair amount of money. If you have books or DVDs, the Amaz*n Marketplace is a great place to sell those too.
Haven’t read all the comments above, so this may be a repeat. But, most reputable antique dealers will happily come to your home to appraise items. Call around and ask. Good luck!
Dude, I totally owe you money for that header art – send me a bill!
I have no clue about the worth of the clock but good luck!
We are having the same lack of money problems. We just sold a couple of old guns to an auction house and it was worth it. See what auctions are around you.
Sorry, I have no clue about the clock but the other advice to seek out a auction house or reputable appraiser sounds like good advice.
Now, for some unasked for assvice: have you tried WIC? It would certainly help a little with grocery bills and every little bit helps.
I agree with Alison. The American Society of Appraisers is a good place to start to find a honest appraiser. I’d then I’d try it on eBay with a minimum bid. You will definitely get a larger pool of people and it will sell much faster.
Dude! I don’t know much about clocks, but how freaking cool! I’m glad it’s not an heirloom, that would be sad. I was just going to suggest Antiques Roadshow… but the “other” Alison beat me to the punch. ;o) Please let us know how it turns out, I love a good antique story.
Whatever you do, don’t sell to the first person that makes an offer! Get a broad base of information first. Talking to someone in the American Society of Appraisers is a good idea, since they have no reason to lie to you — whereas a local antiques dealer might, in order to get a good deal themselves.
Good luck!
Everyone else has already said it, but go to an appraiser rather than an antique dealer. An appraiser is just doing that, giving you the value, without the intention of buying it from you. Get several quotes from different people to see if they’re all within the same ball park. I just googled clock appraisers and a number of links came up, but there’s no guarantee they’re knowledgeable. I found this link though, which I think you might find helpful http://aarf.com/fetime98.htm
Good luck!
As others have said, call antique stores around to see if anyone is interested. Check eBay, do a little Google.
Money has been super tight for us for the past 3 months since the girls moved in with us. I actually just made my own laundry detergent, if you would like the recipe, let me know. Tide is about 20 cents a load, and making your own is only about 2 cents. It cleans my clothes well and smells good too.
Check out angelfoodministries.com (I think is the address, if not google) for discount food products. Also see if you all have a discount bakery around. We found bread for 79 cents a loaf. Dollar Tree around here sells eggs for a buck a dozen. Eat breakfast for dinner to also save money.Pancakes are cheap/easy to make.
If you need anything let me know. Hugs.
Calli give Sotheby’s a call. They are the most respected house out there. I have dealt with them before and they were very honest and pleasant. Go to link below.
http://www.sothebys.com/about/contact/as_auctionest.html
I second Sothebys. They can sell it at auction for you, handle the entire thing, appraisal, transport to the auction, all the advertising, etc and you will get the best price possible. You most likely have quite a find there and you will want to get the best possible price for it. Sothebys has the contacts to do that.
Wow, I’ve been out of the internet loop for a few days due to this little flood thing here in Atlanta-I third Sotheby’s! Also, email me a picture and some more information on it(anything written on it, markings(pix of markings, etc…) and let me see what I can find out for you! I LOVE a good mystery!
What a gorgeous, gorgeous photo. (yeah, I realize that’s no help at all)