Hickory, dickory dock...man oh man did we find some clocks!!

December 26th, 2009 in blog     
shabbychick Kathy Stantz, contributor
13 users recommend

Just a sample...dont you love the colors and the patina of these old darlings??
OK - breathe deep (we had to...)  ...take it in slowly... Heres what the back of my van looked like - filled with almost 200 clocks and miscellaneous pieces and parts...
Alright...then we unloaded everything out in my driveway - and this is half the picture!
And...heres the other half (I LOVE the big schoolhouse clocks!)
Up close, and oh so sweet!
So many colors and shapes and sizes...
Heres a great old silver piece.
There are 34 of these babies and theyre all named Ben!
And here are a few of the pieces and parts - faces, gears, etc...  Lots of fun yet to be discovered in this stuff!
And heres one that I kept for myself - I LOVE IT!! (The old street sign...courtesy of my junkologie friend, Amy)!
And heres one of my favs - just a tiny little guy from West Germany! :)
Here are Terris top three - yep, they went home with her!
Just a sample...dont you love the colors and the patina of these old darlings??

Just a sample...don't you love the colors and the patina of these old darlings??


Well...Terri and I had a great "time" this past Saturday.  A few "free" finds on the curb (note the green bookcase and table that the clocks are displayed on), and an estate sale.  The owner had been in clock repair for 55 years (and worked out of his basement), and it looked like nothing was ever thrown out - all boxed, tagged and stored for a long, long time... 

It's kind of hard to describe the feeling, but I know most of you can relate - it was like a dream venturing into the basement, where there were tubs and tubs of clocks - floor to ceiling, and pieces and parts carefully stored away for future use.  (We really wanted to jump up and down and yell a bit...but there were other people around.)

So, we searched box by box and made pile after pile of what we liked - and an hour and a half later (and a little bargaining!)...180 clocks and pieces and parts were loaded into my van.  Oh my gosh - we were in junk heaven. 

When we got back to my house - we unloaded out in the driveway (my neighbors have to think I'm just a bit crazy, don't ya think?) - and proceeded to sort and count and oooh and ahhhhh.  We picked out a few for ourselves (that's the fun of it, right???), and we're planning on selling the rest at our shows and probably on ebay.

Sales like that don't come along very often (our "timing" was just right I guess) - and I'm just thankful and happy, happy, happy that we found this one!  Hope you have enjoyed a quick peek into clock heaven - I'll share a post later with some displays that we'll be doing!

Your junking friend, Kathy

P.S.  Stop by my blog - www.sylviasdaughter.blogspot.com - for more pics and see what curbside finds we came home with on Saturday as well (even BEFORE the clocks)...what a great weekend!!

P.S.  Surrounded by all these clocks, I won't have an excuse for being late...for a long "time" - or then again it could just really confuse me!!

 


posted in: blog, vintage, Clock, estate sale

Comments (33)

nancat1946 writes: I must have that round aqua one ! I will dream about it in my sleep tonight. Posted: 8:03 pm on March 16th
shabbychick writes: Jim - thanks so much for your kind words - (I'm late on this post...but "time" keeps getting away from me!). This is probably my personal favorite post AND junk find of mine for 2009 too. Believe it or not...we're still going through all of this stuff!

I just love this junking community - so much fun, creativity, inspiration and support in one place - what a blessing for all of us junking types!! :)

I'm looking forward to what 2010 will bring for all of us at JMS (lots of great junk I'm sure)! I've got a couple new posts in mind as I get ready for a junking trip or two in the next couple months...

Thanks again!

Kathy Posted: 11:02 am on January 5th
suewhitney writes: Katy...
The following comment is from Jimbo.... I couldn't agree more!


Kathy, your clock collection find has to be one of the top posts on JMS in 2009. It was an estate sale dream come true for all of us. I keep browsing through the photos in amazement at the sheer number of pieces. You have also become our official “Junk Pile Reporter” with your fantastic coverage of flea markets and antique shows. Your humorous commentary and superb photography will supply all of us with a junk fix throughout the winter. And as always, I’m inspired by your vision and creativity to take even the crustiest pieces and transform them into beautiful creations with your distinctive Shabby Chick style. Thanks for being so dedicated to JMS and sharing your ideas. May all your junk dreams come true in 2010.



Junk Architect Posted: 10:14 am on December 19th
shabbychick writes: Kimberly - will see what I can do about a schoolhouse clock for you...still taking stock of our inventory!

HesterJane - it was big fun...we're eating and sleeping clocks right now! They've kind of taken over!

kathy

Posted: 9:08 am on October 20th
KimberlyMelamed writes: OH sweet junking heaven! Unbelievable!!! These are so fabulous- each and every one! Savor the moment Kathy- you deserve it! (And let me know if you decide to part with one of the big schoolhouse clocks- I'de be the luckiest (oh, maybe 2nd luckiest) junker in the world to get one of those!) Posted: 10:08 am on October 19th
HesterJane writes: Where can I get my hands on clocks like that!
You luck duck.
Posted: 2:48 pm on October 17th
shabbychick writes: Well...I'm so glad to be able to share this little slice of junk heaven with you all!! I'm keeping notes of who is interested, and will do an update on my blog next week with some more pics - so stay tuned! :)

We spent today picking up even more...and now we've got a little Fort "Clox" of inventory. Right now I'm testing some...so things are really ticking at my house (and a random alarm goes off now and then too...)! (most of them work, but some will be just for looks)

Sue - thanks for the dance...ha ha! And I'm hoping you get some sleep soon!!

You guys are the best! Wishing you all TONS of great junk!

Kathy

P.S. Hoping an alarm doesn't go off in the middle of the night - my hubby wouldn't be too happy about that! ;) Posted: 9:13 pm on October 16th
byabpryor writes: OMGosh! It's Tick Tock Heaven!!! Posted: 7:44 pm on October 16th
LittleRedHen writes: Gasp! I can't breathe! From the other posts, it sounds like you will have to let everyone know when you are selling these beauties! Posted: 3:03 pm on October 16th
Meadowview_Farm writes: My, my, my....beyond words!!
Your stars must just be lined up!
Kari Posted: 11:43 am on October 16th
Grasshopper22 writes: I just don't know what to say...I have never seen such a HUGH collection of clocks...Totally unbelievable!!! Fantastic find!!! Posted: 8:55 am on October 16th
JocelynTownsend writes: I Love it can you mail me 3 or 10 of them I can see the ones i would love to have. Please let me know Jocelyn4570@verizon.net Wylie, tx Posted: 1:08 am on October 16th
suewhitney writes: Kathy,

Seriously, I must find a way to remove these image from my head. I can't sleep, I can't think straight, my gift of gab has taken a leave of absence. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm doing the lucky girl dance for you now.

Be Well,
S. Posted: 9:23 am on October 15th
JunkArchitect writes:
If I had been there I would have gone CRAZY! I don’t collect clocks but I still would have freaked-out with just the quantity of stuff. I can just imagine the feeling you girls had when you waked into the basement and saw it filled to the ceiling.
Oh please Lord let me find a basement FILLED with cool junk...soon...please.

Jim
Posted: 11:13 pm on October 14th
shabbychick writes: Thanks again.

Bluebucket - I looked at your post again - yours were sweet saves - we've got a few to tear apart though... :)

Kenda - that's too funny - hope you're ok!

Amy, I think you need to come out for a photo shoot (I'll pay you in clocks. ha ha)

AtticusFinch - we haven't yet...

Well...time to "wind" down!

Kathy Posted: 10:38 pm on October 14th
AtticusFinch writes: Wow, how do you come down from a junkin' high light that?

Congrats on such a haul... Posted: 9:37 pm on October 14th
ALVN writes: Now that's a lot of clocks! The schoolhouse ones are my faves!! That one looks great next to the street sign!!

Amy


Posted: 8:29 pm on October 14th
MimiToria writes: Kathy-
First of all "congrats" on your haul.
Second of all "wowie".
Thirdly amazing and unbelievable!
Will be pming you privatley.
Gretchen Posted: 7:05 pm on October 14th
bluebucket writes: WOW!!!What a great find. Yes, I love the colors and patina. The "Bens" look wonderful all grouped together. Remember my post "There's safety in numbers"? Well, if I had this many clocks, perhaps I could find one or two that I could smash to re-purpose. (I don't see any in these pictures however.)

Posted: 5:46 pm on October 14th
shabbychick writes: OK - you guys are cracking me up...I'm guessing if I had a clock party you'd all want to come, right??? hmmmmmmmm.... :) It was definitely like a dream - a bit overwhelming,but we were up to the task!!

It was pretty exciting - and now we're trying to study up on our finds (need a copy of "clocks for dummies"), to know exactly what we have. You'll have to check my blog for info on stuff we'll be "parting with"... (gailmarie - there will be faces...) Lani - would love to help you add to your collection!

Marie - the curbside finds were pretty cool too. My basement is screaming to be emptied out SOON! Good thing we have a show next month!

Thanks for all your comments and remember...ya never know when that "dream sale" will happen - that's why we all keep looking! :)

Hugs, Kathy Posted: 5:40 pm on October 14th
RustyDiva writes: I feel dizzy...............................ggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg

Sorry, I fainted on my keyboard! Awesome haul!!!!!!!!Congratulations!!!

Kenda Posted: 5:31 pm on October 14th
Junkadoodles writes: How LUCKY can you get!! I love old alarm clocks - I have trouble finding even one - and you hit the mother load! I could not believe my eyes.
Ditto to all the posts before me! Posted: 4:55 pm on October 14th
CottageElements writes: Kathy, your heart must have been just pounding! This is the kind of sale I have in my dreams! I collected clocks for a few years now, and have never, ever seen anything like this! Amazing! You might have to let me know when you start selling the babies. I may need more for my collection! You go girl!

Lani Posted: 4:37 pm on October 14th
alicemom writes: Well Kathy I'm surprised your "ticker" did not stop! It am tickled pink for you guys! Great haul!
smiles, alice Posted: 4:30 pm on October 14th
chippingcharm writes: Oh my...you are so lucky! I have to say, I originally thought your pics were from the estate sale not your actual haul! Hooray for you! Laurel
Posted: 3:47 pm on October 14th
oldnews writes: OH. oh, oh, as if the clocks weren't enough, then you throw in the curbside finds and it is almost to much to take! Amazing, amazing score! You hit the clock bonanza, and I know we are all thrilled for you, but definitely wishing we could run into something like that! WOW! Can't wait to see what you do with some of them!! We'll be on the edge of our seats, waitin!!!! Marie Posted: 3:18 pm on October 14th
Heavenly_Treasures writes: Kathy,
I had so many clocks like that and it just brought back some precious memories for I sold them all at a auction. Thank's for sharing them. LOVE AND BLESSINGS TO YOU,ROBERT. Posted: 3:00 pm on October 14th
fellowjunker writes: HEAVEN ON EARTH!!!!
Happy day Kathy.
xojanis Posted: 2:45 pm on October 14th
monakent writes: Kathy ~ to say I am jealous of you and your clocks and clock pcs, doesn't BEGIN to tell you what I am really feeling (and I say that in the most loving way)!!!!!

I started collecting vintage clocks this past Spring, to use them as faces for my artwork. Needless to say, I fell in love with almost every clock I bought, and have yet to be able to use them as the faces I bought them originally for!

OMG - what a FIND!!! Words can't begin to tell you how happy I am for you. I would give ANYTHING, to be the proud owner of your newest family members!!!

Years ago, when I made jewelry out of watch parts, I thought I was in heaven when I found a man trying to unload boxes and boxes of watch pcs. Your find doesn't come close!!!

Enjoy to the max your newfound "wealth," and just know there are many of us junkers, who are drooling over your goodies!!! Sigh.........gailmarie
Posted: 1:02 pm on October 14th
Junk_Sophisticate writes: DITTO what Georgia said! That is EXACTLY how I felt the first moment I saw these photos! This is a DREAM HAUL, Kathy, and you and Terri deserve each and every one of these babies! (So do I...but you found them first.) ;) Heehee.

Great job you lucky ladies!! I can only imagine how much more impressive your booth space is going to look with these beauties!
Candy Posted: 12:31 pm on October 14th
coloradojunkie writes: I can't even look...it a junk junkies dream load... Posted: 12:03 pm on October 14th
georgiamoon writes: Ok Kathy...I had to get up FROM the computer and WALK away. I couldn't even LOOK at the pictures for too long. I know about a million people that would LOVE to run across an Estate sale like that one....and I'm on the top of that list!!! I got that excited feeling in my gut the second I saw this post...it's like a dream come true. We are all probably a LOT envious and a little bit happy for you guys...OK I'll be nice...you can switch it around. What a SCORE!!!! Have fun with ALL that great, great, great stuff. Love Georgia Posted: 11:54 am on October 14th
grannijo writes: Kathy...you were at the right place at the right ~TIME~...love all that I can see!...make sure we get peeks at the projects you and Terri do with these babies..~The little Ben's too~...lol..thanks for sharing with us...sharon Posted: 11:24 am on October 14th
You must be logged in to post comments. Click here to login.