Steam Hunt, Finding Clocks, Gears and Brass in the 21st Century

Seems to be difficult to find good brass parts for the Steampunk craft item. Here are a few tips I have to maximize your search for these elusive items.

1. Independent jewelry stores - often these people are very helpful and willing to go through junk drawers with you. These have by far been the best source of watch mechanisms and parts. I often take small inexpensive items I make to especially helpful jewelers. Be bold. I always say, "This may sound crazy but I am a local artist and I do Steampunk jewelry, do you have any of item X." I always ask what they want for the item, if they want too much just move on another jeweler will often give you the same items for free. I learned this lesson the hard way. Learn your watches and the value of the items on ebay so you know when to pounce on a good deal. Sometimes these guys will have pocket watches, these can be extremely rare and valuable finds and may be worth paying more for due to the fact that they have many gears and finely engraved plates that make nice unique pieces.

2. Clock Repair Shops - This is an interesting group of people, usually obsessed with clocks and the value of them, very hard to get mechanisms from clocks away from them, but when you find a shop willing to deal it can really pay off. I have one shop that is a steady supply of broken clock mechanisms for the cost of the brass. Clock mechanisms are worth at least Ten Dollars a piece in brass so be sure to offer them at least what the brass is worth. My best gears and cogs have come from these clocks and I am able to sell the brass parts I cannot use for the cost of the clocks, a win-win situation.

3. Pawn Shops - I have had some success with these guys, I have taken some nice broken mechanisms out of pawn shops. Usually they will want money for the items but up to 2 dollars a piece for a broken mechanical watch mechanism is fair. Remember, be bold and ask.

4. ebay - Here is a treasure trove of items, I get some of my best watch parts for $1.25 dollars a piece but I have to buy them in lots of up to 30 to get this price. If you are not making earrings or cuff links and don't need matching pairs you will find many awesome lots. I just picked up about 10 Waltham watch mechanisms from the 1920's for around 15 bucks which is great for these finely jeweled mechanisms.

Please reply if you have a great suggestion or would like feedback on an idea of yours.