There are many reasons why one begins to collect an item. Many do their research and look to collect items that may increase a great deal in value. Many collectors begin a collection because of an interest or liking of a subject, a manufacturer or product, or a style. The aim of the collection may or may not ever become one of monetary worth or gain, but whatever the aim, it is important to do do your research. This is true of advertising clocks, tea cups, or Elvis Presley memorabilia.
The advertising clocks were subsidized by the advertisers, rather than selling them. They were given to given to restaurants, hotels, local stores and other businesses, even to physicians.
One of interest for many reasons are the Hudson's soap advertising clocks,dated around the late 1890's to early 1900's. Made in England, the language appears to be varied and different than what we are accustomed to in the U.S. There are interesting ways that they inform the public of the opening or closing times of the establishment, as well as how they refer to the business. One of the Hudson's Soap advertising clocks States, "This public bakery closes at", while others state, "We close at ... today", or "Today we close at". The Hudson's Soap Laundry Girl advertising clocks of 1890 advise, "This conveyance leaves today at ...; Note the time".
Many of these advertising clocks have vivid and colorful colors and designs, leaves and scrolls typical of the Victorian era, a variety of Roman numeral on their clock faces, as well as different elements of the soap they are advertising. These clocks give much information about the times and lives of that period. An example is the Hudson's Soap Laundry Girl advertising clocks. The laundry girl carries a basket of white linen, wearing a blue and red outfit with white linen scarf and apron. She also wears a red broad brimmed hat and white stockings, a very typical English country maid.
If you are drawn to advertising clocks because of the heritage of advertising products, the fascination of a certain period of history such as the Victorian era, or just a love of the quirky or color, each pursuit and acquisition is an adventure.
North Augusta, Ennis, Escanaba, Utah, Darien, Miramar, Kansas City, Ruston, Hastings, Lawrence, Wheaton, Euclid, California, Mexico, Danville, Kiryas Joel, Wyandotte, Milledgeville, Lewisville, Napa, Carteret, South Miami, Maryland, Evansville, West Paterson, Centralia, Hinesville, Riviera Beach, Marquette, Vienna, Levelland, Palmdale, Truckee, Idaho, Oakland, Avondale, Newport Beach, Issaquah, Cypress, Bonham, Poquoson, Statesville, Clayton, Spencer, St. Charles, Galion, Delano, Maine, Green Bay, Texas, Gulfport, Virgin Islands, Elkhart, Puyallup, Tenafly, Owasso, New Berlin, Vermont, Woonsocket, Guam, Jacinto City, Ridgewood, Haddonfield, Pascagoula, Paramus, Cottonwood Heights, Rhode_Island, Carol Stream, Elkton, Fayetteville, Edwardsville, Whitewater, Stillwater, Milford (balance)
