Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Clocks

Many people have a fondness for timepieces of all varieties, but collectible mantel clocks hold a special place in many collectors’ hearts Perhaps because mantel clocks were placed on mantels above fireplaces years ago, in the eras before electricity and digital clocks with their beeping and flashing. Something about a key wound clock that keeps time manually has a a certain charm. And fireplaces give the sense of coziness and warmth and bring to mind easy hours in front of a fire.

Around the year 1500, Peter Henlein invented a spring operated clock in Nuremburg, Germany. Now every household could have an accurate timepiece, with the first mantel clocks created in France in the middle of the 18th century. The mantel clock itself became very popular right away in France, because most large French manors had more than one fireplace, and the mantle was simply a handy place to place a clock, as the set up of most rooms focused inhabitants attention on the fireplace area, and it was a common place to gather for warmth. Collectible mantel clocks following this ear usually came with a pair of ornaments designed to go on each side of the clock that matched its deign in some way, until this went out of vogue in the 20th century.

While collectible mantel clocks are generally placed on a mantle, they also look nice on end tables, study desks, counter tops and any surface that needs an accessory. Some popular styles of mantel clocks basically define their shapes rather than their construction. Tambour style clocks are drum shaped with a wide base, arch style clothes are arched at the top with a narrow base, carriage and bracketed clocks are different only in that the carriage cocks generally have a handle on top. Nautical mantel clocks bear nautical designs and the designs on the face give it a nautical appearance.

Another type of collectible mantel clocks that are very popular are anniversary clocks. Typically glass and dome-shaped, the clock can run for one year without winding or changing the battery. Collectible mantel clocks can either be battery-operated or key wound. Many who prefer mantel clocks to other types of clocks prefer the key wound variety because it brings to mind an earlier more simple time. Key wound clocks typically have 3 holes in the dial which makes them easy to distinguish from quartz battery operated clocks.

Collectible mantel clocks can add charm to your room and are available in a variety of shapes, styles and finishes. You can find these clocks in a variety of places, though the more unique collectible and antique mantel clocks can probably be found in stores that specialize in clocks, or on eBay where you can look at browse from sellers all over the world. Be sure to establish that the clock is in good working order before you buy it, and find the age of the clock if you can to determine whether or not it might be an antique.

Originally posted 2008-11-04 05:00:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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