Antique Mantle Clocks

Looking for a time piece to place above your fireplace then it is worth considering investing in one of the many antique mantle clocks now available. 

The first of these time pieces originated in France during the 18th Century  and it was another 10 years before the English were able to produce a version of their own.

For Time-Keeping & Decorating

But along with being a practical piece of equipment to keep time they are considered to be an ornament as well.  This is because most of them will have been finely crafted from some wonderful materials such as porcelain, ormolu as well as wood.  As for their workings they tend to be made from both wood and brass and clocks of this time period required a key to wind them up and ensure that they functioned properly.  Most of these clocks would need to be either rewound after 30 hours or 8 days depending on the model.  However the antique mantle clocks of today use quartz or batteries in order to provide them with the power they need to keep time.

Every sort of clock that can be placed on a mantel or shelf is decorated ornately and in some cases brass or iron will have be integrated into the design.  The bases of these time pieces are decorated in a variety of different ways some would be engraved whilst others were made from solid wood or a wooden panel.  A few may even have intricately painted scenes applied to theirs.

Antique Mantle Clock Choices

When it comes to looking for the perfect antique mantel clock for your home there are a number of different makes to consider.  Below we take a look at just some.

Hermle is a family owned business and they have been making beautiful clocks for more than 80 years now.  The kinds of clocks that this company create which would not look out of place in any home today.  One that you may find suitable is the Phelps model that is European in style and constructed from selected veneers and hardwoods.  The dial made from metals comes with special decorations to the corners and has a moon phase plus it also comes with cast brass feet and handle.

Then there are mantle clocks created by Seth Thomas a company which has been creating beautiful masterpieces for keeping time for nearly 200 years.  The company has in fact been producing wonderful clocks since 1813.  If you are after antique mantle clocks that will fit well in to a more contemporary surroundings then the Antique Mantel Clock from this company is worth considering.  This one has an antique maple finish and to further accentuate the colors of the wood the face of the clock is black whilst the hands are gold.  Plus it comes with a glass front allowing to watch the movement of the pendulum as the clock works.