Cedar Hill Farmhouse

updated COUNTRY FRENCH

  • Home
  • Book
  • Farm Tour
    • Cedar Heights Tour
    • Farm Tour
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Podcast
  • Projects
  • Press
  • Advertising

Antique French Clocks and Buying Old Things

By Anita 10 Comments

detail-on-french-clock

I love French clocks.  So I found this antique clock in Round Top, but it didn’t have any of the insides in it, meaning it is no longer functional. Did that keep me from buying it?  Of course not.  I just like it ’cause it’s pretty any way.

My rules for buying old stuff:

 

3-rules-for-buying-old-stuff

1. It’s usually okay if it doesn’t work any more. I will buy an old clock that doesn’t work. I will not buy wobbly furniture.  I have not have a good experience fixing old furniture that isn’t sturdy.

french-clock

2. It’s okay if it isn’t in pristine condition. Used things are going to have ‘issues’. Just decide which ones you can live with, and which ones will bug you every day you look at it. This clock is missing some of the decorative work on one side. I didn’t notice until after I bought it, which proves it shouldn’t be a big deal to me.

 

french-clock-and-settee

 

3. If you really like it, get it now. Don’t wait for the price to go down, because 9 times out of 10, it will be gone by then.  If you like it, buy it (if you can afford it.) I can’t tell you how many times I’ve missed something because I hesitated. At the auction you have seconds to decide.  At least at the thrift store I can take 10 minutes or so to think about it.

And lastly, HAPPY SHOPPING!

 

What are your tips for buying vintage or antique things?

Get my ebook, 8 Ways to Add Farmhouse French Style and 3 more bonus PDFs, and my emails... it's all FREE!
CEDAR HILL FARMHOUSE - updated country French style
Your information will never be shared or sold to a 3rd party.

Filed Under: accessorizing, Project

Comments

  1. Lori says

    July 20, 2014 at 07:52

    Even at a thrift store, I have the front desk hold an item for me. Had something snatched up as I put it back down on the table to think about it. Learned a valuable lesson that day!

    Reply
  2. kathy says

    July 20, 2014 at 08:28

    I think it’s lovely! I just bought a large wall clock at a yard sale it doesn’t work , but I love it just the same.

    kathy

    Reply
  3. Eliza says

    July 21, 2014 at 05:33

    so stylish and classical, my favorite is this cloak ! Lovely. Eliza.

    Reply
  4. Tina @ What We Keep says

    July 21, 2014 at 08:19

    It’s a beautiful clock, Anita. I always buy what I am drawn to. That way I am never disappointed. There’s no explaining a certain attraction to found objects- they just speak to us. 😉

    Reply
  5. Darrielle says

    July 21, 2014 at 09:43

    Great clock- and I agree buy what you like and love all the character!

    Reply
  6. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    July 21, 2014 at 09:52

    I have absolutely loved this series! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. The clock is just fabulous.

    As I will soon be moving to the Fort Worth area I can’t wait for the opportunity to visit Round Top.

    Reply
  7. Ellen Delap says

    July 21, 2014 at 20:57

    Love this! Upcycling stuff is a great way to add to your decor. Thanks for sharing this gem!

    Reply
  8. Carol Bullock says

    July 27, 2014 at 22:13

    Love the clock but love,love love your dear little 2 seater, its gorgeous.

    Reply
  9. Carolyn Cogburn says

    July 28, 2014 at 12:59

    I totally agree! If it’s pleasing to the eye, by all means, buy it and spend time musing about the stories it could tell about it’s past. I have an old chandelier(bulbs replaced by candles) hanging on my back porch. It’s the first thing noticed and commented on by visitors.

    Reply
  10. Barbara Luisi says

    February 18, 2020 at 14:48

    When buying an old clock that is no longer working, you can always buy one of those battery operated clockworks at Michaels or online and install it into your clock. The clockworks are very reasonable in cost. It’s not authentic but it will at least work. I just did that on a fabulous style hanging clock and no one would ever know unless they took it down and looked inside.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

You might enjoy my book, podcast, and MORE!

french accents by Anita Joyce

Cedar Hill Farmhouse on Amazon
Affilate Disclosure
Cedar Ridge Vacation Rental in Black Mountain, NC

Search This Blog

Categories

Archives

Copyright Notice

All the photos and text this site are copyright protected. Email requests to anita(at)cedarhillfarmhouse(dot)com

Disclosure and Privacy Policy

For my Full Disclosure, click HERE
For the Privacy Policy, click HERE

Disclaimer

Perform any project shown at your own risk. The author assumes no liability for loss or damage that result from these projects. If unsure, seek professional advice before attempting any project.

Copyright © 2023 Cedar Hill Interiors, LLC · Log in

Get my ebook, 8 Ways to Add Farmhouse French Style and 3 more bonus PDFs, and my emails... it's all FREE!
CEDAR HILL FARMHOUSE - updated country French style
Your information will never be shared or sold to a 3rd party.