Antique Mantel Clock Guide: The Essential Things To Know About Collectible Clocks
Antique mantel or mantle clocks are some of the most sought-after collector’s clocks on the market. Their decorative appearance means that they are often valued highly be collectors. The clockmakers managed to incorporate many different elements that made the clocks very appealing because of their beauty.
There are many mantel clocks that are simple and elegant in appearance while others have more intricate designs and are often made from materials such as porcelain, marble, bronze, wood and ceramics or painted in gold.
As the name suggests, mantel clocks are designed to be put on a mantelpiece or shelf and aren’t meant to be hung on a wall. They are desirable for many collectors as unlike Grandfather clocks, they can easily fit inside almost any size home.
History of mantel clocks
The fireplace was often the place where a family would gather around in 18th century Europe. Antique mantel clocks added decoration to a room .
The first examples of mantel clocks were made in France during the period of 1750 to 1760. These early clocks often resembled the regency bracket clocks. The finest French clocks of this era were covered with glass domes or globes.
English mantel clocks followed around 10 years after the French versions. Then in the 1800’s, the French and German’s began to produce higher numbers of mantel clocks. In around 1835 it became the custom to have a pair of matching ornaments on the clock.
Baroque, rococo, and neoclassical mantel clocks
The 19th century art movements, including baroque, rococo, and neoclassicism were reflected in the designs of antique mantel clocks too.
Modern mantel clocks
German companies such as Lenzkirch and Conrad Felsing Berlin had a huge influence on the creation of modern mantel clocks during the 19th century as clocks in ceramics became very popular during this period.
Collectible mantel clock designs
The Tambour mantel clock is possibly the most recognisable mantel clock design. The clock face for the Tambour mantel clock is supported by a wide base.
A variation on the Tambour design is the Arched mantel clock design. The difference here is that the Arched mantel clock design has a narrower base than the Tambour.
Another popular design of collectible clocks is the Carriage mantel clock. This design has a handle on top of a box. This clock used to be known as a chamber clock.
Skeleton Mantel Clock
The Skeleton mantel clock is still popular with some collectors because of its distinctive design. The design means that the inner workings and mechanics of the clock can be seen. People can see both the front and back of the clock and look at its springs and every other mechanical movement that helps it to keep the time. The Skeleton mantel clock will showcase the craftsmanship and skill of the clock maker.
Anniversary mantel clock
The Anniversary clock is the first clock that didn’t need to be wound up once a day. The “Anniversary” in Anniversary mantel clock refers to how long the clock can last without needed to be wound up. This type of clock can keep running for around a year by either a metal key that winds the spring in the clock or a battery.
Mantel clocks are great collector’s items
The wide variety and different styles of mantel clock make it a popular choice with collectors. There are also many different mantel clock makers, each with their own style of clock making. You can read more about antique mantel clock makers in the following article. If you are looking for a general guide to types of antique clocks then click here. You can also click here if you want to read a basic introduction into antique clock collecting.
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