Antique clocks are a joy to own and study. Whether you’re a new home owner or just looking to celebrate a special event, investing in an antique clock is a wonderful way to add beauty and elegance to your home.
Format Choice
If you have a fireplace, sideboard or cupboard, you may be tempted to invest in a antique mantel clock. Many of these clocks are built in a long, sweeping curve that features the face of the clock in prominence. If you have the space on your mantel, this form of clock is quite eye-catching and will suit most any decor.
The antique bracket clock, similar in construction the older British lantern clock, was designed with a handle on the top and was built to be mounted on a matching bracket. This bracket was fastened to the wall and served to hold the clock steady. The only thing on the bracket was the clock; it served in a manner similar to a free-standing grandfather clock, though it was smaller and easier to relocate. Mantel clocks would stand on the mantel shelf over the fireplace.
Early Styling and Later Modifications
The earliest antique bracket clocks date from the 1660s. The Dutch clockmakers who developed this clock actually started by hanging them on the wall via two iron loops on the back panel of the body of the clock. The custom bracket, suited to each maker, was developed later.
Many bracket clocks were designed with an irregular base; that is, they would never have been able to sit on a mantel because the base was curved, rounded or pointed. Over time, many clocks with this feature were altered to have a flat base, so an antique bracket clock could function either on the bracket or on a sturdy shelf or mantel.
Antique Mantel Clocks sizes
The size of a standard mantel clock didn’t change greatly until it was manufactured in the Americas. Because early American clockmakers used wooden workings and weights inside the clocks, the footprint and case of the clock were quite a bit larger. Many antique mantel clocks originally produced in the states were nearly 18 inches long and 12 inches high. For an antique mantel clock of that size to look well balanced, the fireplace mantel would need to be sizable.
However, once the spring wound mechanism manufacturing style was adopted by American clock makers, the mass production of these clocks took off. An antique mantel clock with an anniversary date on the interior was likely created after 1901. While it may be less valuable than an older clock, it will certainly be a beloved keepsake for years to come, and quite easy to repair by a qualified clock maker.
Which antique bracket clock to buy?
While it may be challenging to find an antique bracket clock with the original base or the original bracket, we can help you find just the right clock for whatever display area you are looking to fill. Our selection is quite expansive, with many antique mantel clocks for sale but our offering is dynamic as each clock is unique and clocks get sold and new ones are available for sale again. We offer clocks in a variety of sizes. In addition, our expertise is well known in the clock community, so if we don’t have the clock you’ve been seeing, please let us know and we shall be happy to source it for you. Geographically, we are located in Perth, Australia, but we ship both nationally and internationally, including regions including the rest of Australia, the UK, Ireland and the USA.