![]() ![]() The 1890s+: Clocks were being mass-produced and became much cheaper. The 1880s-1930s: Wooden clocks were often finished with black enamel to give them a more expensive appearance. The 1840s+: Brass became common in clock movements. ![]() Common woods included oak, mahogany, and cherry wood. Pre-1820s: Mantel clocks were mostly made out of wood, including all their movements, dials, and fittings. Firstly, let’s take a brief look at some common design features of clocks through the ages. Mantle clocks have clues that can help you identify how old they are. Some quartz mantel clocks were made from the 1930s onwards, making them vintage clocks rather than antiques – always check the fine details of the auction when making a purchase! How can I tell how old my mantel clock is? Clocks often ran for up to 20 to 30 years without any maintenance. They were much cheaper and easier to repair and replace. These clocks became popular at a time when mantel clocks were being mass-produced. They also were more accurate and often had a chime feature that rang out at specific times of the day. Firstly, they never required winding to work. Quartz mantel clocks are popular for many different reasons. Many mechanical mantle clocks are still in mint condition.Īlso Read Old Seiko Watches Value (Identification & Price Guides) Quartz mantel clocks Image Credit: clockshops These clocks were long-lasting investments for families they were expensive but built to last. They also had an intricate inner mechanism that was often more difficult to repair. They aren’t as accurate as competitors, standing to lose 2-5 seconds per day. The only downside to mechanical clocks is their timing. ![]() They are generally much older than rival quartz mantel clocks. #Antique mantel clocks seriesMechanical mantel clocks were often wound once a week to keep time or used a series of springs, gears, and pendulum to power themselves. Mechanical or ‘key wound’ clocks Image Credit: clockshops Let’s first explore the different types of the clock key wound mantel clocks and quartz mantel clocks. Mantel clocks are an exciting antique to collect because of their rich diversity. The structures may have also featured carvings, engravings, or sculptures. Over time, the clock face began to feature painted scenes. Hundreds of companies set up across America, especially in Connecticut, to make clocks and clock parts.Ĭlocks were made of wood, reducing their price and making them affordable to lower-income families. In the early 1800s, Eli Terry revolutionized everything by developing ways to mass-produce clocks and clock parts. It was during this time that makers began developing new designs and styles. Only upper-class citizens could afford to buy them. Clocks were made of expensive materials, and as such were sold as a premium ornament. The Willard Brothers are credited as the first American clockmakers to make mantel clocks. It wasn’t until the 19 th Century that mantel clocks became popular and available in America, and they became more popular as the Indsturai Revolution took the fold. Designs mirrored French styles of architecture and furniture. One of the biggest selling points of mantel clocks was their size – they were much more compact than other timepieces of the time, including Grandfather clocks. ![]() These clocks were made with ormolu, otherwise known as ‘gilt bronze’, which gave them a beautiful golden shimmer. The earliest records of them date back to 18 th Century France. The name ‘mantel clock’ comes from where these small clocks originally sat – on top of the fireplace. ![]()
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