Antique works of art, as well as vintage furnishings and other precious artifacts, are true tidbit for avid collectors. For instance, antique clocks are rather expensive items. They are not just an exquisite part of history, but timekeeping devices that have well preserved their functionality. That is why the old clocks are often in great demand among admirers of antiquity. Hence, it begs the question: how to ship antique clocks safely?
Due to the complexity of the mechanisms of such timepieces and also because they are many years old, shipping of antique clocks must be carried out correctly. Naturally, any vintage item requires careful handling, especially when being shipped. Antique clocks include many small, fragile parts. Thus, they should be packed thoroughly to get to their destination completely undamaged. We have prepared some useful tips on how to transport old clocks securely anywhere you need.
- First of all, make sure that tiny parts of the mechanism, including the clock spring, won’t move during transfer. Other breakable parts – like the glass lid – have to be fixed in place with the help of adhesive tape. However, in order to prevent glue residues on the glass cover surface or any other delicate part of a clock, it is preferable to use masking tape. The latter is easily removed without compromising the refined look of your precious timekeeping device.
- Provide proper wrapping by using a lot of bubble wrap, especially when packing glass parts of antique clocks. The watch case itself needs exceptional attention too since its edges and corners can get damaged in transit and become unmerchantable.
- Put the wrapped item in a wooden crate or a cardboard box ensuring that top, bottom, and all sides have 3-4 inches of empty space. To fill that extra space to prevent the clock from shifting, use more bubble wrap, polystyrene padding, and even some old newspapers. Remember, an expensive vintage timepiece must be packaged securely and tightly before you proceed to seal the box with packing tape. The crate should be sealed with nails or hot glue explicitly used for wood.
- Put the package in another box or crate, a bit larger, and fill in all extra space with bubble wrap, crumpled paper, foam gaskets, etc. Similarly, seal the bigger box/crate.
- Mark your package as “fragile,” put both recipient’s and return address on it, and take it to the post office.
Although it is acceptable to transport antique clocks with the help of a regular postal office, contacting a qualified shipping company is a much better choice. Best transportation enterprises specializing in the local and international transfer of fine artworks, furniture, and antiquity offer top-quality antique moving services. Fine Art Shippers is one of the most experienced and trustworthy companies in this field, providing its clients with plenty of helpful services, guidance, and assistance in the world of safe and swift shipping.